Baltimore and Washington DC residents can look forward to a brief respite in the weather today after intense rainfall that led to flooding in central Virginia. The National Weather Service's latest update indicates that showers are moving out of the region, and a dry slot is set to bring more sun and higher temperatures across the area. While flood warnings are still in effect, residents can expect a dryer day today, with highs reaching into the low to mid-80s, starkly contrasting with the recent dreary conditions.
However, this break is short-lived. The remnants of what was once Hurricane Helene, now caught in the gravity of an upper-level low, are forecasted to reintroduce rain chances Sunday through Tuesday. The National Weather Service anticipates daily shower and thunderstorm chances without expecting a complete washout on any day, despite the potential for 2-4 inches of rainfall, particularly across eastern WV Panhandle and into VA. Temperatures during this period are predicted to dip, with highs ranging from the 70s on Sunday to the 60s or near 70 come Monday, according to the forecast.
Looking ahead into the long term, the weather narrative shifts come Tuesday. Once a tenacious upper low, the system is expected to transition into a more progressive wave, carrying a potential of up to half an inch of showers. The enduring cloud cover looks to keep the daily highs in the upper 60s to low 70s, with 60s expected in higher elevations. A cold front's passage by Wednesday will usher in cooler air and clearer skies, with more seasonable temperatures greeting the region as it wraps up the week. The looming question is whether another system will attempt to disrupt the established high-pressure system by the weekend, which could affect the weather pattern early into October.
Mariners should also stay vigilant. Winds forecasted to settle around 15 knots may strengthen from Sunday into Monday, with a potential requirement for Small Craft Advisories to be declared. Additionally, coastal flooding remains a concern throughout the weekend, especially in locations like Annapolis and the D.C. Southwest Waterfront, which are reeling near moderate flood-stage levels around high tide periods. Current advisories are anticipated to extend until early Sunday, as National Weather Service announcements indicate. Expected easterly winds will continue to drive water into the western shores of the Potomac and Chesapeake Bay, keeping the risk of elevated tides at the forefront of regional concerns.
