Baltimore is bracing for a juggle of weather patterns — the National Weather Service's latest forecast signals an eventful few days ahead with a strong cold front on the approach. Rain will reportedly cease early this afternoon, but don't expect to stow your windbreakers just yet. "Windy conditions will follow immediately behind the front this afternoon," the National Weather Service cautions. Speedy winds shifting northwest with gusts between 30-35 mph and even stronger gusts at higher elevations are predicted to buffet the region post-frontal passage.
The temperatures are also set to take a plunge, particularly in the mountain areas, where snow squalls could be seen due to the cumulative effect of steepening low-mid level lapse rates, strong mid-February insolation, and strengthening NW flow. Travelers might want to reconsider venturing out, with Wind Advisories issued across certain parts like Allegany and Garrett counties in Maryland and in higher elevations of West Virginia, valid from 11 AM to 7 PM tonight.
Prospects for the weekend don't look much brighter. Another low-pressure system is queuing up to usher in precipitation for the weekend. A "wintry mix" could materialize on Saturday morning before turning to rain in the afternoon. The National Weather Service forecast details that one to one and a half inches of rain are expected over 36 hours, with greater accumulations likely in the mountains that "may pose a flooding threat."
Mariners aren't spared either, with strong Small Craft Advisory conditions anticipated from this afternoon into early Friday. The situation on waters may not amend much over the weekend, as conditions veer towards high-end Small Craft Advisory criteria with gusts close to 30 knots possible on Sunday. "SCAs likely continue through Sunday and into Monday as winds turn NW behind the front," per the National Weather Service.
Another aspect of the tempestuous weather is the potential coastal reaction. The strong northwest winds that will whip up later today through tonight may lead to "blowout tides," with tidal anomalies projected from one to two feet below normal. The combination of strong winds and recent snowy conditions heightens concerns about flooding in the days to come, especially in western and mountainous areas.
