Baltimore residents can expect light flurries today, especially in the city's far northwestern reaches, but the rest of the region should stay dry under the firm grip of high pressure. According to the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC, high temperatures will hang in the upper 30s to low 40s for most areas east of the mountains today, dipping into the 20s overnight.
As we enter the weekend, dry conditions persist. High pressure is slowly drifting northeast before a low-pressure system heads our way. "The high will eventually consolidate over New England this weekend as a low pressure develops over the central Plains," the National Weather Service forecast discussion notes. Cloud coverage will increase late Saturday, indicating our next chance for precipitation, which looks more likely as Sunday draws on.
Rain, light ice accumulation, and snow are expected on Sunday, mainly along and west of the Blue Ridge. Areas like Garrett County could see up to a tenth of an inch of ice. In the more metro regions east of the Blue Ridge, expect cold rain with only a few tenths of an inch of precipitation.
The early part of next week will bring a quick departure of the rain, with a short-lived dry spell followed by another round of wet weather on Monday night that should carry into Tuesday. "While temperatures seem to trend up Monday compared to Sunday, clouds could easily keep them suppressed," warns the National Weather Service, leaving us to brace for potential continued chilliness ahead of the following warmth.
Local aviators are forecasted to see clear VFR conditions through Saturday, though increased cloud cover and widespread precipitation will challenge visibility on Sunday. The aviation outlook predicts that VFR conditions will be more likely, with sub-VFR conditions expected during the day on Sunday. Clearing skies might grace the area after the rains on Monday, but another front will bring more moisture Monday night into Tuesday.
Lighter winds on the water mean a serene sailing experience on the Chesapeake Bay today and Saturday. The National Weather Service advises that changes are afoot as several low-pressure systems could surge through the area starting late this weekend and into early next week. Boaters should be alert to shifting conditions, with advisory-level gusts possible early next week.
