The weather narrative for Baltimore and the surrounding areas is taking a turn, as residents can expect a cool down due to a stubborn backdoor cold front. The National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington has reported that this front will stall today along the Appalachian region, resulting in lower temperatures and a thick cloud cover. The mercury isn't expected to rise much beyond the upper 70s and low 80s, quite the departure from the more toasty conditions residents might be used to this time of year.
Despite the cloud cover, most of Baltimore is expected to stay dry throughout the day. It's the western front, however, where showers and thunderstorms will begin to blossom, spurred by daytime heating. While the highest elevations may experience some sunshine, the lower areas are forecasted to endure potentially heavy precipitation, with rainfall estimates ranging from 1 to 3 inches, or localized spikes of up to 5 inches. Consequently, a Flood Watch has been issued for these regions from 1:00 PM until 10:00 PM, as mentioned by the National Weather Service.
As the weekend approaches, the narrative shifts as the cool front recedes and a warm front takes center stage on Saturday, bringing with it the potential for showers and severe thunderstorms. Residents can anticipate the temperature rebounding into the lower 90s. The National Weather Service notes that thunderstorms on Saturday may bring damaging winds, placing the area in a Marginal Risk for severe weather. Sunday continues the trend with a chance of precipitation, although the likelihood of showers is less than Saturday's forecast.
As we head into next week, the weather plot continues with a low-pressure system moving northeast, dragging yet another band of thunderstorms and showers through the region come Monday. Tuesday's weather script features a cold front making its entrance, which is expected to culminate in rain and thunderstorms before a significant cooldown. According to the National Weather Service, "High temperatures Monday and Tuesday will be in the 80s to low 90s." Still, the aftermath of the cold front will usher in a period of drier conditions and slightly cooler, more comfortable highs in the 80s.
For all the mariners out there, there's no need to worry about Small Craft Advisory conditions over the weekend. However, waterspouts and gusty winds are possible during thunderstorms, particularly on Saturday and Sunday. Shifting winds from southerly to northwesterly are expected following the Tuesday cold front passage. Additionally, the National Weather Service anticipates slightly elevated tidal anomalies over the next several days, potentially nudging the more sensitive tidal areas into Action stage, with Annapolis flirting with Minor flood stage by Saturday morning.
In aviation, pilots need to brace for instrument flight rules conditions due to the persistent low clouds, with marginal visual flight rules possible during the afternoon. The weekend, however, should see a return to visual flight rules, notwithstanding the chance of thunderstorms impacting sight lines.
