Thanks to a high-pressure system dominating the regional forecast, Baltimore residents can look forward to a stretch of dry and increasingly warm weather. The National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC reports that this system, extending from the Canadian Maritimes to the Mid-Atlantic, is set to persist through Tuesday. Early risers this weekend should be aware of patchy fog, especially in sheltered river valleys. Still, it's expected to clear by mid-morning today, leading to sunny skies and temperatures mainly in the 80s, with the 70s probable at higher elevations.
For those looking to take advantage of the outdoor atmosphere, the nights will stay clear with calm winds, as the high pressure remains the firm anchor over the region. Temperatures will cool to a comfortable range, with 50s and 60s at night and potential for more patchy fog development. Into the early week, the surface high may slightly weaken and drift eastward, causing temperatures and humidity to more notably uptick. It's set to "likely approach 90 in many places come Monday afternoon," indicating a small shift in the weather that residents should start to prepare for, per the NWS. While mostly dry weather will remain the theme, a stray pop-up shower over the central Shenandoah Valley can't be entirely ruled out on Monday afternoon as heat rises.
Looking ahead into the week, the established upper ridge seems determined to hold fort through Friday. However, with surface high pressure moving offshore, the area will experience an onset of warm and moist return flow. This weather shift means temperatures will significantly leap into the 90s midweek, and humidity will surge, potentially creating heat indices in the triple digits. According to the forecast, "the return of summertime heat and humidity will come the return of thunderstorms," particularly from Wednesday to the week's end, with an "increased coverage in thunderstorms" and a "slightly higher chance for an isolated strong thunderstorm or two."
In terms of aviation, VFR conditions are mainly projected through Monday night. Pilots, however, should remain vigilant for occasional patchy fog or low clouds. The weather briefing advises that "Light southerly winds are expected Tuesday and Wednesday," suggesting that morning fog could become a factor again with the incoming humidity later in the week. For mariners navigating the Chesapeake Bay this weekend, light east to southeast winds and no precipitation are expected, again thanks to the high-pressure system's influence. Coastal flooding, however, might need consideration due to the full moon and onshore flow, potentially causing elevated tidal anomalies and minor coastal flooding risks.
