Baltimore finds itself under a weather seesaw, with the National Weather Service (NWS) marking a transition today as a cold front pushes southward. The National Weather Service has posted its latest area forecast discussion, suggesting that the front will stake out just to the south on Friday and then make a gradual northern return through the weekend into early next week.
Early risers in Baltimore might have caught some light showers this morning, a wake-up call courtesy of the mid-level clouds commandeering the skies. The NWS foresees sunshine to be somewhat limited through the day. The fleeting reign of these showers is expected to dry out by evening. Sunshine aficionados, take heart: today’s cloud cover serves as a prelude to a minor cooldown, with temperatures predicted to hover in the mid-80s to near 90 degrees.
Friday's forecast hints at drier climes, bracing for the most parched day in the coming week. If you've plans, keep them, the NWS assures with confidence that daytime should largely remain umbrella-free, sporting a blend of cumulus and cirrus overhead. Saturday's forecast looks a bit less forgiving with the approach of a shortwave trough that portends a rise in shower chances, notably across central Virginia.
The weekend weather plot thickens as the stalled cold front over the Carolinas makes a northward pivot. The NWS alerts that with a more notable shortwave, most areas will have a chance of rain Saturday though a severe weather forecast seems to be off the cards. For those venturing out Saturday night, the weather service advises to dress in layers as overnight temperatures are set to, once again, dip below normal, particularly in central Virginia.
Looking to the long term, Sunday through Wednesday indicates a hanging pattern for showers and thunderstorms. This tethered front retains the potential to spawn isolated strong to severe thunderstorms particularly mid-next week, per NWS predictions. Day or night, temperatures are slated to stick close to seasonal averages.
As for the boating community, the NWS has hoisted a Small Craft Advisory for the bay and its wider tributaries effective from midnight through to Friday morning as gusts hurdle to around 20 knots. The weekend appears more forgiving with gentle winds and occasional drizzles potentially causing minor disruptions to the marine scene.
For those looking to the skies, the NWS aviation forecast speaks of VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions prevailing through the majority of the coming days, with only occasional sub-VFR conditions likely pegged to passing showers or thunderstorms. Baltimore-Washington airspace is geared up for routine sailings, albeit with an advisory look-out for short-lived gusty interludes.
While Marylanders brace themselves for the weather's ebb and flow, updates and advisories are readily accessible on the National Weather Service website.
