Residents in and around Baltimore should brace themselves for a wet and windy Friday. According to the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC, a low-pressure system tracking across the area will bring a mix of weather conditions. The oncoming system, consisting of rain followed by potentially gusty winds, will lead to a soggy end of the week. A cold front is expected to follow closely behind by early Saturday morning.
The rainfall, which will begin this morning, will vary across the region and "generally range between 0.50-1 inch," according to the National Weather Service. While the northern half might see lighter and more sporadic rainfall until later, southern areas might catch some relief in the afternoon when a dry slot lifts north. Despite the variability, residents should be prepared to quickly adapt to changing conditions, as winds could briefly surge to 20-30 mph later in the day.
Temperature rises will be muted, with highs in the upper 40s and 50s expected. By dawn, the mercury will drop into the mid-30s to mid-40s. West of the Allegheny Front, a minor changeover to snow or freezing drizzle with little to no accumulation could signify the arrival of colder air during the late-night hours.
Come Saturday morning, the windy aftermath of the cold front could see northwest gusts of 20-30 mph alongside clearing skies. High pressure arriving Saturday will lead to a slight temperature rebound, but a warm front approaching Monday threatens to thicken the cloud cover again. It could rule out some freezing drizzle in certain areas, as the NWS warns. Despite the shifting weather patterns, the forecast for the upcoming week suggests mild and dry conditions, with temperatures climbing seasonably high by Thursday.
Mariners along the Chesapeake Bay should note that the Small Craft Advisories are in effect this evening. Southerly winds could bring gusts ranging from 20 to 25 knots into the region. The National Weather Service advises that rain and fog will reduce visibility, causing potential navigation hazards for boaters.
Lastly, Flood Watches remain in effect in regions along the Allegheny Front due to the snowpack being saturated by incoming rainfall. Concerns about flooding persist, driven by the rain's compounding effect on the existing snowpack. Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed and be cautious during this period of inclement weather.
