Residents in Baltimore and surrounding areas are bracing for a mix of elevated fire danger, severe weather, and robust winds, as the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC forecasts. The weather service issued a statement warning of low relative humidity and strong winds that could exacerbate wildfire through 6 p.m. this evening.
With humidity hovering between 20 and 30 percent and winds gusting up to 30 mph, the fire risk is augmented by unusually dry fuels due to recent drought conditions. A low-pressure system is making its way toward the Great Lakes, and a cold front is expected to follow Wednesday night, bringing a sudden shift in weather patterns.
The day's warmer temperatures, reaching into the 60s, are a precursor to tonight's cloudy skies, which the weather service sees thickening as that system moves closer. "These values may actually rise early Wednesday morning as more moisture and warm air is drawn northward ahead of the incumbent frontal boundary," noted the National Weather Service discussion.
As we approach Wednesday, the focus will pivot to an intensifying storm system approaching from the west. A band of showers and thunderstorms, currently moving across the Southern Plains, is expected to reach the Baltimore area by Wednesday morning, potentially bringing thunderstorm activity later in the day. The National Weather Service foresees "a very strong wind field will be in place, with 60-70 knots at 850 hPa," raising concerns about damaging winds and the possibility of tornadoes.
Marine conditions are also set to intensify, with the Gale Watches affecting all waters come Wednesday. And on land, the impending cold front will likely result in snow showers in the Alleghenies, and gusty winds could lead to Wind Advisories being necessary in several regions. The whirlwind of weather activity does have a saving grace: the anticipated rainfall is poised to mitigate the elevated fire risk.
Looking ahead toward the weekend, a northern stream dominant flow in the upper atmosphere should bring milder weather conditions. Though early predictions hinted at snow, the latest updates suggest warmer temperatures are on the horizon for next week.
Flood advisories are also on the docket. Some areas along the northern Bay are anticipated to see minor flooding, and water levels will decrease once the cold front passes by Wednesday night. Residents can stay tuned to the National Weather Service's regular forecasts and updates for ongoing updates on conditions and potential advisories.
