The National Weather Service issued an early-morning forecast today indicating that a cold front is set to bring some relief to the area by Thursday, following what is expected to be one last scorching day with temperatures soaring into the mid to upper 90s.
Residents in and around the Baltimore area are bracing for another scorcher today with heat index values forecast to hover between 100-109 near and east of Interstate 81, prompting a Heat Advisory in effect until this evening, while the night may offer marginal respite as lows are expected to dip into the 60s and 70s across various locales, the front's slow approach hinting at a reprieve from the recent spate of oppressing heat. Thunderstorms are also on the weather menu, potentially firing up this afternoon and carrying into the evening, with the east of the Blue Ridge Mountains pinpointed as the stage for the most intense activity including severe storms capable of damaging winds, frequent lightning, pricey drop-offs in rain totals could trigger flash flooding, especially in urban and suburban zones that are unaccustomed to such level of saturation.
With the cold front on its leisurely trek through the region, Thursday and Friday promise noticeably cooler temperatures with highs settling into the 80s and dew points taking a plunge, yet hold the applause, showers and some rogue thunderstorms may crash the party, mainly across the southern expanse of the region. As we edge towards the weekend, expect the pendulum to swing back, ushering in higher moisture levels and daily thunderstorm chances as a warm front sneaks up from the Carolinas.
Aviation and marine operations will likewise feel the touch of the incoming front, with VFR conditions expected to deteriorate once thunderstorms enter the scene later today, mariners should particularly note the Special Marine Warnings likely to be issued as storms with strong winds manifest, although winds should simmer down come the weekend, an occasional shower or storm notwithstanding. Climate data reveals the gravity of the heat, showing that today's potential highs are contending with records across several locations.
