Baltimore and the Washington, D.C. area are set to experience crisp fall weather, with a dry reinforcing cold front moving through tonight and high pressure dominating the region into the weekend. The National Weather Service, in their early morning report, stated, "High pressure will gradually build into the region through Friday morning." Conditions are expected to be ideal for those enjoying the autumnal shift, with temperatures today reaching the middle 60s to lower 70s. Tonight's lows, however, may drop to the upper 30s to middle 40s, potentially leading to patchy frost, particularly for residents near the Allegheny Front.
This afternoon, a slight uptick in northwest winds is anticipated as the front moves through. The following days will remain under the influence of high pressure, signaling a continued pattern of dry and cool weather. The near-term forecast predicts high pressure will influence dry conditions and seasonable temperatures today. However, with the cold front, frost advisories might become necessary for some western regions by Thursday night. As we head into the weekend, the mercury is expected to climb, rising to the mid to upper 70s by Saturday.
Aviators can expect clear skies and VFR conditions persisting today through Friday night. Today's winds will start from the southwest before becoming northwest around 10 knots, with similar conditions expected on Thursday. The weekend also promises calmer winds and continued good visibility, though there might be a slight chance of showers on Sunday.
On the water, boaters should take heed, as small craft advisories have been issued from midday today to early Thursday morning for parts of the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay areas. With the approaching dry cold front, winds could gust up to 20 knots. The National Weather Service advises, "Winds becoming northwest 10 to 15 knots gusts 20 knots today into tonight." While the weekend will see lighter westerly winds, conditions may again become brisk come Sunday with strengthening southerly flow.
