Baltimore residents should brace for a wet and stormy week ahead, as the National Weather Service Baltimore advises of a warm front that is forecast to stall across the area, resulting in days of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. According to the latest National Weather Service Area Forecast Discussion, the front will bring showers and thunderstorms through at least Thursday, with the highest chance for rain expected from mid-afternoon to late evening.
Capitalizing on the weather, clouds and expected showers will keep daytime temperatures in the 80s for the low-lying areas, while higher elevations might only see highs in the 70s. However, the humidity will not grant a reprieve, latching onto tonight with low temps settling in the upper 60s to mid-70s. The National Weather Service noted that our region is benefiting from a near 70KT jet streak to our north, with heavy rainfall due today because of a stalled surface boundary and a low-level jet over the Carolinas that's pushing deep moisture over the area. The day's riddle is to predict the exact when and where of these rain clusters and thunderstorms, with the potential of 1-3 inches of rain in a short time.
Aside from the immediate drenchings, the mid-week forecast does not let up on the weather pattern. A steady stream of low-pressure vortices and a high-pressure system near the Eastern Seaboard promises plenty of showers and thunderstorms through Wednesday night. While the flood threat outside urban areas remains low due to an ongoing drought, city centers might experience flooding, especially in poor drainage and flood-prone areas according to forecast discussions.
Looking towards the end of the week, a glimmer of reprieve surfaces as a cold front is anticipated to push across the region Friday, making way for high-pressure and drier conditions over the weekend. Yet the road there is wet, with daily showers and storms predicted over the area as an upper-level trough looms over New England. Despite the dreary outlook, temperatures remain steady, with daily highs staying close to seasonal norms. By the weekend, as the trough drifts eastward and ridging ascends from the west, we can expect a slight warming of conditions.
Aviation interests, take note: The unsettled weather brings potential impacts to travel, with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms perhaps leading to temporary sub-VFR conditions. Pilots should remain vigilant and ready for frequent updates to the forecast, as conditions are likely to change. Additionally, mariners in the Chesapeake Bay region should be aware of possible gusty winds and storms that could necessitate Small Craft Advisories at times throughout the week.
