Baltimore residents can expect a brief spell of high pressure today before a clipper system makes its presence felt over the weekend. According to the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC, early snow showers in the Alleghenies should pass by sunrise. In contrast, light rain showers across the Shenandoah Valley may linger until late morning. The remainder of Friday is anticipated to stay dry, with some areas bracing only to reach the 50s, slightly cooler than recent days.
Saturday will bring more dynamic changes courtesy of a strong upper trough prophesied to sweep across the Mid-Atlantic rapidly. During the afternoon, a cold front is slated to make its grand entrance, accompanied by gusts that could reach 25-35mph in some areas. Despite the threat of a mix of rain/snow showers in the mountains, the rest of the region is expected to dodge the precipitation largely. Those in Baltimore should hastily enjoy the early afternoon high temperatures, which are teased to hit the pleasant range of 50s to 60s, before a plunge in the evening drapes us in a much colder air mass, forcing temperatures into the teens and 20s.
Early next week, the National Weather Service forecasts a continuation of cold, albeit sunny, conditions on Monday, with temperatures below the seasonal average. High pressure will reign supreme, creating light winds and offering some reprieve from the weekend's gusty blows. However, as it treks northeastward midweek, eyes are already turning toward a potentially disruptive weather system that could spawn severe weather, including thunderstorms.
The National Weather Service has circumspectly issued a day 7 outlook for severe thunderstorms, acknowledging the potential severity of the weather system. With strong synoptic scale ascent primarily expected to pass northwest into the Great Lakes, the region may be somewhat shielded from more significant rainfall, which should allay fears of flooding amidst the ongoing drought conditions. As the week progresses, residents should stay alert for updates on this dynamic system, which is poised to usher in a sharp cold front and potentially wind advisory-level northwesterly gusts post-event.
For aviators and mariners, the near-term forecast suggests primarily VFR conditions through the weekend and early next week. However, both sectors should prepare for potential sub-VFR conditions and increased southerly winds as early as Tuesday afternoon. These conditions could potentially increase the need for heightened weather vigilance and adjustments in travel plans.
