Grab your hats and hold onto your fences, Baltimore, because another round of wild winds is set to pummel our city. The National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington has released a forecast that promises a gusty Wednesday, anticipating a blustery aftermath as a cold front sweeps through Maryland and beyond. The National Weather Service states, "The strongest winds will occur through the afternoon right behind the front (also timed with peak mixing). Gusts will range from 30 to 40 mph across the central VA piedmont, to 45 to 55 mph across northern VA into central MD and the DC metro area, to 50 to 60 mph for many areas near and west of the Blue Ridge and Catoctin Mountains as well as northern MD."
Residents are bracing for potential impacts, from power outages to tree damage. This isn't just a whistle in the willows scene. It's serious business. With winds that could clock up to a whopping 70 mph in places like the lee of the Alleghenies, it's no wonder Wind Advisories and High Wind Warnings are strung across the region. The weather service warns that the longer duration of winds, coupled with the recent high wind event just over 24 hours ago, particularly near the Alleghenies, will likely result in numerous downed trees, branches, and power outages. In light of these predictions, it's advised that locals secure any outdoor objects that might take flight in the wind's grasp and keep them off the roads if possible.
While the wind might be playing havoc, it's not all bleak news on the weather front. A short reprieve is expected, with high pressure bringing calmer conditions on Thursday before the next system rolls in with its bag of tricks – mostly rain. Looking further ahead, the forecast promises a high-pressure interlude over the weekend for a brief respite from the weather's recent tantrums.
For those of you with an eye on the skies, VFR conditions are anticipated to rule until Thursday evening, making for clear flying conditions until lower ceilings and rain beckon by late Thursday night. Likewise, with Gale Warnings in effect, marine conditions will be under the weather's thumb. According to the National Weather Service, "Winds are expected to increase markedly by mid to late morning as a dry front crosses the region." Mariners should exercise caution and keep their vessels docked until the tempest-tossed waters simmer.
