Baltimore residents and those in the surrounding areas will experience a mix of weather conditions over the next few days, starting with increased wind activity and potential thunderstorms. The National Weather Service in Baltimore, MD/Washington, DC, has announced that an area of low pressure moving through the Ohio Valley will bring a strong cold front through the region today. Dry conditions and high pressure from the south on Wednesday and Thursday will quickly follow this. Their Area Forecast Discussion states, "a dry morning will start us off, but we should see a quick increase in cloud cover and a few rounds of rain showers develop later this morning."
The forecast suggests that conditions are ripe to generate a few strong thunderstorms later in the day. With gusty winds and the possibility of hail, it's crucial for residents, particularly in the Appalachians and Shenandoah Valley, to prepare to adjust quickly to changing conditions. Highs today could soar into the middle to upper 50s, increasingly more eastward in the afternoon. Any thunderstorms should end toward the latter part of the evening for those braving the outdoors, with dry conditions expected to evolve during the second half of the night.
Wednesday's weather will continue with the snow showers in the Alleghenies, with significant accumulations possibly occurring. Residents in this area should be watchful, as a Winter Storm Watch will remain effective from 1 AM New Year’s Day through 4 AM Thursday. The rest of the Baltimore area should, however, remain dry. Another point of note is the strong winds anticipated across the area on Wednesday, when gusts of 30-45 mph are likely, provoking potential Wind Advisories.
Looking ahead to the end of the week, a reinforcing cold front is expected to push through on Friday, leading to more snow showers, particularly in the Alleghenies. Even as temperatures in the lower elevations hover in the upper 30s and lower 40s, some snow showers to spread east of the mountains may occur, although accumulations should be limited there. Sub-zero wind chills in the higher elevations could come into play from Friday night through Saturday night, surging a chilling end to the week.
For aviation and marine interests, the impacts are clear. Pilots should anticipate variable conditions, including potential sub-VFR ceilings and snow showers on Friday, with gusty winds picking up significantly by Saturday. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service warns Mariners about the necessity of a Small Craft Advisory in place for all waters this afternoon and early evening, with a Gale Watch following on Wednesday from 6 AM to 6 PM. Those on or by the water should also keep an eye on tide levels, which are set to rise later today due to southeasterly to southerly winds, though minor flooding seems unlikely.
As the weather patterns converge over Baltimore and its neighboring locales, it will be marked by changeability and necessary vigilance. The forecast provides a roadmap, but surprises are always possible, as with all things tied to the whims of the sky.
