PHOTOS: Southern Maryland Wakes Up To First Snowfall Of The Season

CALIFORNIA, Md. — The first snow day of the season arrived in Southern Maryland on Friday, Dec. 5, blanketing the region in a light but scenic coat of snow and prompting delays and schedule changes across schools and government offices.

As forecasted, the snowfall brought around 1 to 3 inches to most areas in Southern Maryland, with temperatures in the 20s helping it quickly stick to untreated roads, sidewalks, and elevated surfaces.

While snowfall totals remained relatively modest, the weather was enough to disrupt daily routines and transform the landscape into a brief winter wonderland.

The College of Southern Maryland closed all campuses for the day, citing inclement weather. In-person events were canceled, and all classes were moved online.

St. Mary’s College of Maryland opened on a delayed schedule, beginning operations at noon. St. Mary’s County government also issued a delayed opening, and public schools in both St. Mary’s and Calvert counties opened two hours late. Meanwhile, Charles County Public Schools operated on a pre-scheduled early release, opening at normal times.

The BayNet asked readers to share their snowy snapshots, and many responded with scenes of snow-covered yards, trees, and pets enjoying the early taste of winter.

The National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the region beginning Friday evening, warning that a mix of freezing rain, drizzle, and fog could lead to slick travel conditions as temperatures drop further. The advisory remains in effect from 7 p.m. Friday until 1 a.m. Saturday, covering Washington, D.C., much of central, northern, and southern Maryland, and parts of Virginia.

As the region continues into December, the quick shift to freezing temperatures and wintry precipitation serves as a reminder to stay alert for changing weather conditions — and to keep snow shovels and salt on hand.

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