According to the latest reports from the National Weather Service in the Baltimore/Washington area, Baltimore is in for a dynamic weather week. Looking at the skies today, locals can expect dry and chilly conditions as a high-pressure system takes the reins from the Ohio Valley, bringing a slight reprieve to the blustery weekend start. Highs for the afternoon are slated for the upper 30s to mid-40s, but when the sun sets, the clearer skies and calm winds mean a sharp drop in temperature. According to the National Weather Service, "Overnight lows settle in the mid to upper teens, with lower 20s along I-95."
Monday will be a turnaround day, with a glide offshore of the high pressure that will see Baltimore temperatures rise into the 40s, subsequently jumping into Tuesday where highs could hit the 50s and potentially low 60s. Tuesday night, however, Baltimore could get a taste of thunder, as a strong low-pressure system promises a dicey midweek with increasing winds and storm potential, as spotted nearing the Alleghenies. Winds in the mountains could even blast to 40-50 mph come Tuesday night with showers spreading early next day, said the National Weather Service.
Weather enthusiasts might be on their toes Wednesday, with a powerful low pressure and front potentially stirring up severe thunderstorms. Model soundings point to a deeply saturated atmosphere with the right conditions for some storms to turn severe, threatening heavy rain, strong winds, and maybe even a tornado. Winds out of the south could sometimes gust more than 30 knots, per the National Weather Service's aviation section. Although rain might sound concerning, with ongoing drought conditions, precipitation looks like it will be largely beneficial, with expected amounts ranging from half to a full inch.
Entering Thursday, it's time to swap umbrellas for scarves as cold air begins its march in, converting remaining mountain showers into snowfall that could cause a few inches to accumulate. Gusts across the rest of Baltimore could blur past wind advisory levels as the low-pressure system moves northeastward. Taking the reins to close the week will be high pressure, ensuring a return to more stable, seasonable conditions by Friday. All eyes will then be on the weekend for a chance of light precipitation as model guidance hints at a passing disturbance, the National Weather Service states.
Those venturing onto the waters should note that Marine hazards are winding down today. Still, a gale warning has been in effect for Chesapeake Bay this morning, and small craft advisories are stretching into the evening. Conditions should soften tonight through Monday night but will pick up again Tuesday as the southerly flow strengthens. The National Weather Service report highlights that the rest of the week favors at least Small Craft Advisory conditions, with possible gales and thunderstorms lumbering over the waters on Wednesday.
There is a nod to fire weather conditions for the landlubbers concerned with the parched grounds today. This morning, dry air and winds up to 35 mph could fan the flames, though the overlap with peak wind and lowest humidity should be brief. A special weather statement might crop up to warn of fire risks in certain areas come noon, as the remarks from the National Weather Service warn.
