Baltimore residents should brace for a soggy couple of days, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service in Baltimore, MD/Washington, DC. A low-pressure system, trudging northeast from the Tennessee River Valley, is expected to spread showers across the region starting this morning over the Alleghenies and Shenandoah Valley, reaching the I-95 corridor by evening. The National Weather Service anticipates widespread rainfall amounts of 1.00" to 1.50" in the area, with potential for localized flooding due to steady showers continuing through Wednesday afternoon. While it's only rain, with subnormal temperatures persisting, highs are predicted to be in the upper 50s to low 70s, with a "CAD-like setup" keeping Wednesday's temperatures in the low to mid 60s.
Following a brief reprieve, another front is set to usher in additional precipitation. With an upper-level trough from the Great Lakes bearing down on Thursday, forecasters warn of more showers and possible thunderstorms. While taking the last to see the onset of IFR/LIFR conditions tonight, the National Weather Service highlighted in their report that the bigger threat could be flooding if the rain occurs over areas that received heavy rain from earlier in the week. As the skies finally part on Sunday, the area will begin a slow emergence from beneath the clouds, prepping Baltimore for what's hoped to be a drier week ahead.
For those looking skyward, the forecast spells trouble for air travelers. The anticipated weather will lead to sub-VFR conditions at all terminals, including BWI and MTN, which are expected to experience IFR/LIFR conditions late tonight into Wednesday. There is a potential for dense fog Wednesday night, which could further complicate air travel, as noted in the aviation section of the forecast published on the National Weather Service's website.
The impact on waterways is also notable. The Service's marine forecast suggests that the east to southeast winds will lead to Small Craft Advisory conditions, which will spread across the Chesapeake Bay and will affect mariners into Wednesday evening. As the winds rise, the Service cautions that a few strong thunderstorms on Thursday could be accompanied by gusty winds and lightning strikes, making for hazardous conditions for those out on the water.
Finally, coastal areas should anticipate possible flooding issues. The persistent onshore winds may provoke rising tidal anomalies, with places like Annapolis expected to reach minor flooding levels during high tide on Wednesday. Though the surface low-pressure system is expected to move offshore by Wednesday night, the wind shift to offshore might not relieve water levels until the end of the week, per the Service's tides and flooding advisory. As the city braces for the wet and unseasonably cool conditions, residents and local authorities will be keeping a close eye on the skies and the shores.
