As rain from the remnants of Chantal falls on the Baltimore region, residents are preparing to face potential flash flooding along the Chesapeake Bay. The National Weather Service in Baltimore has issued a Flood Watch from 10 AM today until 6 PM this evening. Acknowledging the severity of the situation, the NWS stated, "This system has a history of producing much more than that in NC and will be accompanied by an anomalously moist atmosphere with deep warm cloud layers that will support very efficient rain." The observation was reported early this morning by the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC.
While the heavy rainfall is concentrated on the Eastern Shore, the Western Shore has been forecast to possibly accumulate localized totals of up to 5 inches. It appears that the region is set to inevitably experience the impact of the weather system as the front weakens and crosses through Maryland today. The concerning aspect of today's weather is the intensity of the rain caused by the remnants of Chantal, characterized by increased moisture and deep, warm cloud layers, according to a National Weather Service report.
The immediate forecast isn't all bleak, however, as some parts of the area can anticipate some clearing. A cold front approaching from the Great Lakes is expected to remain northwest of the area today, with isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms primarily developing in the afternoon, primarily outside the metro regions. Nevertheless, temperatures are predicted to remain high, potentially reaching the upper 90s in heat indices near and east of I-95 and even lower 90s to the west.
Looking ahead, the weather narrative may not shift rapidly, as the front is forecasted to stall nearby through the weekend. Shower and thunderstorm coverage will be much greater Tuesday afternoon and evening, the National Weather Service cautions, setting the stage for a possibly stormy week. A hot and humid air mass could also lead to a few severe thunderstorms with damaging winds. However, the risk is somewhat mitigated by modest shear and moist profiles, as noted in the forecast discussion.
In the marine context, the remnants of Chantal might disturb the otherwise typical summer sailing conditions. Mariners are advised of marginal Small Craft Advisory conditions on the middle bay waters through mid-morning, with potential for heavy rain and thunderstorms later on, as outlined by the National Weather Service. On a higher note, tonight is projected to be largely dry, with some possible fog and muggier dew points preventing temperatures from dropping too low.
Minor coastal flooding has already afflicted Annapolis due to south-to-southeast winds causing anomalies to rise. However, the remnants of Chantal passing are expected to gradually reduce water levels through midweek, posing no further flooding threat at this time. Despite the hiatus in serious flooding concerns, some locations may still reach the action stage, raising the need for awareness and precaution as the week progresses.
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