Stormy Monday brings early school dismissals, chance of snow

It was nice enough outside Sunday for a trip to the playground in a hoodie — or even shorts for some of the thousands who ran in a 5K in downtown Baltimore.

But hold on to your hat and put on a slicker; there won’t be much pleasant about Monday.

Although the temperature will peak near 70 degrees, the day will start with showers and maybe rumblings of thunder, and by midafternoon there is a chance of severe storms, according to the National Weather Service.

Many area school districts announced they will close early. Among them: Baltimore City and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard and Montgomery counties.

The fast-changing weather is not unusual as Maryland heads into spring, but “what’s not common is the intensity,” said Kevin Rodriguez, a meteorologist with the weather service.

“We can get those thunderstorms, but usually they are more isolated and not this intense,” he said.

Gov. Wes Moore declared a “state of preparedness” due to the potential for damaging wins and tornados across the state, which could down trees and power lines.

He called on residents to have a shelter plan and reschedule outdoor activities as they mind the forecast, while state emergency, transportation, law enforcement and public health officials “coordinate readiness efforts.”

In Baltimore, Mayor Brandon Scott said he would activate the emergency operations center beginning at 1 p.m. Monday.

As of Sunday, the region remains at moderate risk of severe storms. That could mean a lot of rain and strong winds of 60 mph, or even 70 or 80 mph.

This is due to a an especially strong cold front.

After temps in the 50s this weekend and Monday’s high of 69 degrees, cold air will move in and bring the chance of snow.

It won’t be enough to mess up the morning commute or trigger virtual school Tuesday, Rodriguez said. It’s more likely to be the kind that leaves a dusting in grassy areas.

Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be partly sunny with a high of 40 degrees.