As Baltimoreans admire the clear skies today, the National Weather Service Baltimore offers a heads-up for a heatwave and potential thunderstorms approaching the region. The National Weather Service, detailed in a recent discussion, suggests the tranquility is momentary with a strong cold front on the horizon, expected to stir up severe weather Wednesday evening through Thursday morning.
Today's weather, some would say, is pleasantly cooler than usual thanks to the aftermath of a cold front and a blanket of high pressure—temperatures linger in the 50s and 60s turning into a warmer day as the high pressure progresses out towards the Atlantic, with a notable switch in winds to west and southwesterly—cherish this while it lasts. Highs are expected to hit the low 90s, around 3 to 6 degrees above late June averages, "Expect more sun than clouds today which should allow for a mostly sunny sky this afternoon," the National Weather Service predicts, but by Wednesday, things look to heat seriously, potentially challenging record highs with thermometers teetering near the century mark.
The narrative takes a turn mid-week when a vadose of instability, pumped by a southerly flow, meets a procession of height falls migrating from Alberta's skyward confines. "Storm Prediction Center update, areas north of the Potomac Highlands and central Virginia are in a Slight risk for severe thunderstorms," as per the National Weather Service, anticipating not just thunder but threats from robust gusts, isolated hail, and the outside chance for tornado dalliance near the Mason-Dixon Line as the front barrels through, bumping temperatures to the mid to upper 90s.
Transit and outdoor plans are a toss-up come late Wednesday, "The main show likely initiates along a lee-side trough during the afternoon hours," the National Weather Service cautions, with storms possibly disrupting the metro areas by evening—amidst this meteorological ferment, the cold front slices late into Wednesday, heralding a brief respite Thursday as it hustles across Delmarva, coercing humidity to abdicate for sunnier and more temperate spells.
Aviators bask in VFR conditions through Wednesday morning, but that's where the certainties end—the latter half of the week promises a flirtation with showers, thunderstorms, and the resultant visibility hiccups. Marine interests should brace for potentially ruffled waters besides, as Wednesday's cold front dictates a chorus of advisories and maybe special warnings for those navigating the Chesapeake Bay or lower Potomac.
Finally, weather-wise contemplations drift toward the weekend—mariners and beach-goers alike may face increased tidal anomalies with the reinvigorated southwest winds, yet no coastal flooding looms large on forecast horizons. Baltimore's weather tapestry, it seems, is interwoven with high-pressure serenity and the impending crescendo of summer's tempestuous aria.
