Baltimore and Washington D.C. Metro residents can enjoy a weekend of clear skies and a gradual warm-up, with conditions remaining breezy through Friday before settling down. "A strong surface high builds over the region from the west," according to National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC, positioning this system over the Mid-Atlantic through the weekend and ushering in a slow warming trend into next week.
Today's outlook indicates highs in the upper 60s to around 70F, while the mountains are expected to see 50s to low 60s. However, it's not all sunshine and roses tonight. Temperatures will dip into the 30s to lower 40s under clear skies, and light to calm winds will create a frosty scenario. The National Weather Service has issued multiple advisories, including a Small Craft Advisory on the waters and a mix of Frost and Freeze Warnings for the surrounding areas until 9 AM EDT this morning.
Looking forward to the weekend, the weather promises dry conditions prevail, with light to calm winds and warming temperatures, per the report. Highs are expected to be in the low 70s on Saturday, then nudging into the mid-70s by Sunday. The serene conditions should provide ample opportunity for outdoor activities, as the sweeping high pressure gives the Mid-Atlantic region an extended break from precipitation.
As the new week commences, the area will continue to bask in above-normal temperatures, with highs well into the 70s. "Broad ridging will persist over the eastern CONUS through the first half of next week," the NWS notes. This warmth is, however, forecasted to segue into more seasonable temperatures as a cold front approaches from the Great Lakes and Ohio River Valley in the second half of the week, bringing the potential for modest changes in our weather patterns.
For the aviators and maritime traffic, VFR conditions prevail through early next week as a strong area of high pressure builds over the region, ensuring reliable and safe conditions. While having kicked up a Small Craft Advisory today, marine conditions will also improve as high pressure settles over the bay this weekend. Although there's a heightened note on fire weather due to low relative humidity, the immediate threat remains low owing to moist ground conditions and moderate wind speeds.
