Baltimore and Washington DC locals, brace yourselves for a weekend scorcher. The National Weather Service reported early this morning that we're riding a wave of high heat, humidity, and thunderstorms which is set to continue through the weekend, with the current Heat Advisory shining a spotlight on the need for caution, particularly this afternoon when the mercury is expected to flirt with the triple digits. Keep an eye out especially on Saturday as a cold front approaching from the west is predicted to trigger more thunderstorm activity.

Today's conditions spell out a classic Mid-Atlantic summer's day: Think hot, sticky, thunder rumbles by afternoon. The convection games began overnight, mainly over parts east and west, with the Western Maryland folks potentially catching a break from the heat thanks to cloud cover and some thunderstorms as per the National Weather Service bulletin. Beware, the heat index near the I-95 corridor could hit a sweltering 110 degrees if predictions hold true, and those gusty winds can't be entirely ruled out either.

Saturday rolls in hot on the heels of today, marginally cooler but no less humid, those thunderclouds won't be shy about making an appearance. Seems the weather got a memo to mix things up with passing showers and storms most likely in the northeastern side of Maryland and the DC suburbs before the weekend is out. Look forward to a reprieve by Sunday night as a cold front moves in, brushing off the storms and signaling a brief hello to higher pressure and drier days for next week.

On the maritime side of things, boaters should be alert—small craft advisories are in effect today and likely Saturday too, thanks to that pesky southerly wind, and as always keep a weather eye for the thunderstorms which could rattle on through to Sunday. They tend to bring their entourage of lightning and can kick up the waves, a nod to mariners from the National Weather Service report. Coastal areas are also advised to watch for minor flooding through this weekend, a side effect of waters churning northward up the Chesapeake Bay and tidal Potomac River. Stay hydrated, stay cool, and as always, stay weather-aware.