As Baltimore residents enjoy a sunny morning, weather forecasts from the National Weather Service predict a string of above-normal temperatures for the upcoming days. According to the National Weather Service, high pressure is expected to settle over the region through Thursday before sailing offshore on Friday, with an accompanying hike in humidity levels. A gentle reminder for those venturing out: sunscreen and hydration are your best friends in the sweltering highs that are set to blanket the city in the mid to upper 80s, and into the lower 90s by Thursday.
The current respite from high humidity is thanks to the generous hand of a weak surface high pressure that's climbing atop the city today, clearing skies and allowing for a dry warmth. High pressure will bring dry conditions tonight, and it will turn out cool due to light winds and dry air, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures are predicted to dip into the 50s and 60s overnight, providing a brief escape before the heat intensifies later in the week.
Diving into the latter half of the week, Thursday's weak high pressure will make its gradual departure, leaving the door ajar for a noticeable uptick in heat and humidity. Residents can expect the thermometer to hit the upper 80s to the lower 90s. At the same time, Friday signals the return of Gulf Coast moisture and sets the stage for potential showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon and evening. Those planning outdoor activities on Friday might want to keep an umbrella close and an eye on the sky.
Looking ahead to the weekend, a more dramatic shift in weather patterns arrives. A cold front will meander through the area, stalling out and bringing unsettled conditions well into early next week. The moisture, combined with instability on the warm side of the boundary, will likely bring showers and thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon and evening hours each day. The forecast from our friends at the National Weather Service outlines this. Flooding could become a concern given the heavy rainfall predictions and saturated soil.
In the realm of aviation, pilots can generally expect VFR conditions through Thursday night, although Friday brings a chance of showers and thunderstorms that may disrupt visibility. Mariners should equally anticipate easy sailing with a weak high-pressure effect until Friday, when winds may perk up enough to necessitate a Small Craft Advisory. However, forecasters have low confidence in this scenario playing out.
Lastly, for those living in or visiting tidal-sensitive areas of Baltimore, watch for water levels inching towards action stage—though thankfully, tidal anomalies are forecasted to decrease gradually. So while the city braces for a burst of summer-like warmth, remember to stay cool, Baltimore, and keep those weather updates at hand while you navigate the sultry and potentially stormy days ahead.
