As the summer season takes hold, the National Weather Service in Baltimore, MD/Washington DC, predicts a steady climb in temperatures for the region with a hint of wildfire smoke in the air from distant Canadian fires, according to their latest report. The weather outlook, which covers today through the end of the week, suggests that highs will reach into the upper 70s to mid-80s today and continue to rise throughout the week, marking a noticeable shift to toastier days ahead.
Baltimore residents may notice a smell of smoke in the air at times, as some of the high-altitude smoke from Canada becomes visible, a condition somewhat mitigated by subsidence aloft that is expected to carry some of the smoke toward the surface this afternoon. The air quality, however, isn't expected to hit significant impact levels. As we head into Wednesday, the heat turns up another notch, pushing highs into the mid-80s to around 90 degrees with dew points edging higher to make it feel just a bit more humid out there.
According to the National Weather Service, the weather continues its warm spell through Thursday with the ridge of high pressure staying its hand against rainfall for most of the region, except perhaps in western Maryland and the Potomac Highlands, where a few showers or storms might crop up. Temperature forecasts for Thursday are looking at a peak with highs potentially touching the upper 80s, if not low 90s, for those eastern places lucky enough to bask in unobstructed sunlight.
As Friday approaches, a shift in weather patterns is underway, with a cold front on the horizon predicted to increase precipitation chances as it moves through the area. Upper-level troughing over the Great Lakes region is seen as the instigator, pushing the front through the forecast area on Saturday. Despite the turn toward cooler climes by Monday, with temperatures projected to decline gradually each day of the weekend, the front is expected to stall over the Carolinas, which means precipitation chances aren't quite done with us.
For aviators, VFR conditions are anticipated to prevail until Thursday across all sectors. Although there is a slight chance that visibility might be mildly affected by Canadian wildfire smoke today, it doesn't appear poised to trigger any notable disruptions similar to those experienced last year. From Friday, however, weather conditions at the airports could start to deteriorate with potential sub-VFR conditions as stormy weather sets in. Similarly, on the marine front, south to southeast winds will take over today without causing any significant concerns. However, Special Marine Warnings (SMWs) may be necessary during the latter part of the week as the weather turns.
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