Baltimore residents can expect a shift in the weather pattern as high pressure moves offshore, bringing in warmer temperatures and increased humidity over the next few days. The National Weather Service in Baltimore, MD/Washington, DC forecasts that today will likely be the warmest day of the week, with highs ranging from the mid-80s to around 90 degrees. If we don`t reach 90, it may be at least another week for the next opportunity, notes the forecast, also highlighting that this might challenge the latest first 90-degree reading since 2003 in both Washington and Baltimore.
However, with an area of low pressure moving across the Carolinas by Thursday and a cold front approaching the region by the weekend, the weather is expected to turn, with showers and the potential for thunderstorms becoming more likely, especially west of the Blue Ridge. According to the National Weather Service's Area Forecast Discussion, Thursday may offer only smaller chances for showers and perhaps a few thunderstorms as the region finds itself betwixt two systems, with increased cloud cover holding temperatures to the lower to mid-80s.
For aviators, VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions are expected to remain through at least Thursday across the entire region. However, there may be a chance for some showers and thunderstorms Friday, as a cold front approaches from the west, which could pose temporary impacts to all terminals from thunderstorms. Also, south/southwesterly winds on Saturday morning are expected to shift to northwesterly in the afternoon following the cold front, with a brief period of northerly winds on Sunday, allowing for VFR conditions areawide.
Boaters in the Baltimore area should take note, as Small Craft Advisories are in effect for the Chesapeake Bay and Lower Tidal Potomac through this evening. The passage of low pressure into the Carolinas on Thursday may disrupt sustained southerly winds, momentarily decreasing the likelihood of advisories. As we advance into Friday, the possibility of thunderstorms could bring gusty winds to local waters. However, the threat may diminish east of the Blue Ridge due to subsidence along the outer periphery of the low-pressure system, according to the National Weather Service. Ultimately, a mix of VFR and potential sub-VFR conditions is on the horizon for the region as the weekend approaches with the passage of a cold front on Saturday.
