Baltimore residents can anticipate a weather rollercoaster this week as a high-pressure system is followed closely by a cold front and a low-pressure system set to bring colder temperatures and widespread precipitation. According to an Area Forecast Discussion by the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC, Monday will remain dry with increasing cloud cover, and high temperatures will sit comfortably in the mid-50s to low-60s.
As the clouds gather, an approaching front is expected to induce precipitation along and west of the Alleghenies by the afternoon, rushing through the region. Consequently, Baltimore might witness light evening rain, with rainfall below a tenth inch for most parts aside from the Alleghenies. Going into Monday night, those sleeping in urban areas can expect warmer overnight lows, finding themselves in the low 50s.
Moving into Tuesday, the cold front is said to depart by the evening, making way for drying conditions and a dip in cloud cover. "Surface high pressure builds in from the west in the wake of the frontal boundary," the National Weather Service reports. This transition significantly drops Tuesday’s overnight low temperatures to the 20s and 30s, starkly contrasting with Monday's milder conditions.
Looking towards the long term, Baltimore is positioning itself for a significant cool-down. The National Weather Service outlines an "Arctic airmass" moving into the region over Thanksgiving weekend, promising very cold temperatures. Thursday's showers, mixed with snow in higher elevations, will be the harbinger of this chill, possibly complicating holiday travel plans for many.
For aviation, Monday promises clear flying conditions that will shift to "sub-VFR" as the week progresses and rain takes hold. Maritime operations also face challenges, with winds picking up post-cold front Tuesday and potential Small Craft Advisory conditions starting Thursday evening and persisting into the weekend.
