The latest weather outlook from the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC details continued seasonable, dry conditions through Thursday due to Canadian high pressure over the region. According to their Area Forecast Discussion, residents in Baltimore can expect a bit of warmth this afternoon, with highs reaching the mid-to-upper 80s. Despite this warmth, the humidity is set to remain moderately comfortable as dew points stay pinned in the mid-60s.
Looking ahead to the end of the week, we can expect a surge in temperature and moisture. The mercury will hover in the high 80s to low 90s on Thursday, and by Friday, temperatures will rise. The report indicates that highs will reach the mid to upper 90s on Friday afternoon, with peak heat indices between 100 and 108. It's the kind of heat that calls for pausing, considering the vulnerable, and ensuring access to cool spaces is within reach. Warnings are anticipated to crop up, as Heat Advisories are likely needed for most of the area. Thunderstorms may rear their heads on Friday afternoon, particularly in the Alleghenies and Potomac Highlands, yet elsewhere, storms appear scant due to a deep westerly flow.
The weekend weather narrative shifts dramatically as the stifling ridge begins to disassemble, introducing a variety of weather disturbances that could spell thunderstorms, packing potential severe winds, and heavy rain. We will have to monitor closely for any targeted, higher-end threats, such as severe weather or flooding. Still, both days could be very active, according to the National Weather Service forecast.
For aviators, the word is clear: VFR conditions are expected to persist through the week, but thunderstorms may develop on Friday afternoon. The waterways, too, will see some bustle with south to southeast winds picking up through Thursday night, although generally, winds are expected to stay below Small Craft Advisory levels. Come Friday, conditions on the marine front could get choppier with possible thunderstorms making their entrance. Minor coastal flooding is also not out of the question, with increasing southerly winds through Friday afternoon expected to nudge water levels up in the Chesapeake Bay area.
