Baltimore residents should brace for a marked shift in weather conditions as a potent low-pressure system is forecast to sweep through the area on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC. The system is slated to deliver a potent mix of widespread rain, gusty winds, and mountain snow, culminating in a considerable temperature drop for the latter half of the week.
This morning, visibility has been significantly reduced due to advection fog spreading northeastward on a strengthening low-level southwestern flow. The National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC reports that a Dense Fog Advisory has been extended until noon across affected areas, including the VA Piedmont. Light rain and drizzle are predicted throughout the day, transitioning into heavier rainfall overnight as an upper trough approaches.
Wednesday's forecast indicates rain and showers will persist until mid-afternoon before swiftly moving northeast. While the likelihood of severe weather east of the Blue Ridge, particularly along the I-95 corridor, is relatively low, strong post-frontal winds could reach upwards of 40 knots in the afternoon through mid-evening. The potential for urban area flooding is more concerning, with rainfall amounts potentially reaching up to 3 inches, the National Weather Service cautions.
Following the departure of the low-pressure system, a strong high-pressure system will usher in much colder air. High temperatures on Friday are expected to reach the mid-to-upper 30s across most locales barely, and nighttime lows will plummet into the 20s and, in some cases, possibly the teens. Rain showers might return on Saturday, and while widespread wet conditions are not anticipated, there's a chance for some mixed precipitation, a detailed forecast suggests.
As for aviation, visibility is forecast to remain in the VLIFR/LIFR range until noon today, with IFR/LIFR ceilings persisting until late Wednesday. Pilots should anticipate lifting low-level wind shear conditions Wednesday morning, followed by possibly strong post-frontal winds in the afternoon. The National Weather Service's aviation section advises that VFR conditions are expected by Friday as high pressure becomes more dominant.
Moving to marine considerations, with the strengthening winds, Small Craft Advisory conditions are anticipated tonight into Wednesday, and mariners should be aware of the Gale Watch in effect for all of Wednesday through to midnight. Forecasters note that light showers on Saturday are unlikely to pose significant marine hazards.
Finally, coastal areas may experience higher tidal anomalies into Wednesday afternoon, though these should subside later in the week. Some sensitive tidal sites could approach minor flood stages around the Wednesday evening to Thursday morning high tide cycle, so caution is advised for those in affected regions.
