The National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington, DC, operating in coordination with the National Weather Service, State College, PA, has issued a synoptic update for the Baltimore area, signaling a shift in weather patterns beginning this afternoon. High pressure will remain dominant for a chunk of the day before transitioning offshore come nightfall. Baltimoreans can expect to see a dramatic change later in the week as a cold front makes its entrance Friday through Saturday and then appears to take up residence early next week, heralding a period of unsettled weather conditions.
On the subject of today’s weather, expect to see some patchy fog during the wee hours, most probably in the Virginia Piedmont and secluded spots east of the I-95 corridor, as stated in the National Weather Service forecast. In a peculiar twist amidst smoke from Canadian wildfires high above, sunshine shall still grace us amply today. Upper-level smoke from distant Canadian wildfires may filter the sunshine a little, but plenty of sunshine is still expected today, emphasized the forecast. Meanwhile, in a move akin to a silent tiptoe, a weak high pressure will hold steady until it slides offshore tonight.
Temperatures are slated to hit the upper echelons, with the mercury anticipated to soar into the upper 80s to lower 90s. Humidity won’t be entirely oppressive but will show a modest uptick from yesterday with dewpoints hovering in the 50s and 60s range. For those near Central Virginia, the heat index may reach the mid-90s.
Looking to Friday and beyond, the NWS signals a tempestuous blend of very warm conditions and a surge in atmospheric moisture. A few stronger, slow-moving storms are possible, causing the threat for heavy rain and gusty winds, says the forecast. Despite the storms retreating in the late hours of Friday, the pervasive moisture remains, potentially shaping into low clouds or fog the following morning. The accompanying upper-level low and a northeasterly boundary pull up the rear on Saturday, setting the stage for a likely reprise of showers and possible thunder. It appears that the next few days will be a rollercoaster for residents trying to stay dry.
As the new week peeks around the corner, the stage is set for a continued pattern of showers and storms, with the "backdoor boundary" predicted to set up shop around the area from Sunday to Monday.
For aviation interests, the NWS forecasts largely clear skies tonight, though the approaching weekend could lead to difficulties as thunderstorms move in. The outlook for mariners is somewhat similar, with generally calm conditions today, but changing to potentially rough seas as storms flare up from Friday onward.
