Baltimore and Washington residents can look forward to another dry day with fall-like temperatures as high pressure drifts away from the New England coast. The National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC reports that the thermometer is expected to stay below average, more akin to mid to late September, with highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s, slightly higher than Wednesday's.
An onshore flow increase is forecasted to continue, bringing more clouds, particularly in the eastern parts of the region. The marine influence is predicted to show more pronounced effects tonight, with the likely formation of patchy fog to the west of the Blue Ridge and an increase in low clouds to the east. Temperatures will also be approximately 5 degrees warmer overnight, ranging in the mid-50s to mid-60s.
Friday brings a slight respite as a wedge of high pressure acts as a dry buffer between three other weather patterns. According to the Weather Service, this should keep the area moisture-free for the most part. However, there's a chance for an afternoon shower or patchy morning drizzle if the marine layer thickens. Temperature forecasts remain uncertain, hinging on how long low clouds linger east of the Blue Ridge. Saturday will introduce a cold front from the west, but significant precipitation seems likely to stay clear of the local forecast area.
A new high-pressure system will establish itself by Sunday, signaling more excellent conditions with strong cold air advection. We're talking highs ranging from the low to mid-70s and overnight lows potentially dipping into the 40s in some areas. A gradual warmup is to begin on Monday, with temperatures potentially reaching the mid-80s by Wednesday. The aviation outlook remains generally favorable, with high pressure ensuring VFR conditions through today. However, increased low-level moisture tonight could lead to sub-VFR conditions east of the Blue Ridge.
For mariners, northeast to east winds will persist through Friday, driving minor craft advisory conditions in certain zones until noon today due to gusts reaching up to 20 knots. The potential for solid thunderstorms Saturday afternoon could necessitate special marine warnings, with SCA conditions likely developing behind the cold front into Sunday morning. Coastal flooding isn't expected to be a significant issue. However, some action stage levels might be seen in a few areas during high tide cycles today, especially for Annapolis and DC Waterfront.
