Baltimore residents expecting the typical mid-August heat will be reaching for their sweaters as a cold front brings cooler temperatures and gusty winds to the region. According to the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC, this system has already cleared the area and is stalling near the Virginia/North Carolina border, promising below-average temperatures through at least Saturday.
The forecast indicates an increase in low to mid cloud development that should generally offset more widespread fog formation, and while the relative humidity values range between 85 to 100 percent, the thickening clouds make significant visibility drops relatively short-lived. Today's highs are expected to hit mid-70s to low-80s, and mid-60s to mid-70s across mountain locations, a contrast to recent warmer days. The cold front's southward journey is also intensifying northeasterly winds that could reach up to 20 mph.
As for the impending conditions, the waters will see Small Craft Advisories in effect for much of the day due to the gusty winds prompted by the frontal boundary's movement. Mariners should brace for northerly wind gusts up to 25 knots, especially across broader sections of the Chesapeake Bay. Annapolis is on the watch for minor high tide flooding, although water levels could recede slightly tonight, according to the National Weather Service.
Looking ahead, Tuesday and Wednesday might offer isolated showers with isolated to widely scattered showers to develop during the core heating hours on Tuesday, yet the atmosphere remains stable, keeping the chances of thunderstorms at bay. Toward the week's end, shifting conditions usher in the possibility for showers and stronger thunderstorms by the weekend. High pressure off New England will give way to southerly flow and higher dew points, setting the stage for potential late-week storms. While Hurricane Erin is expected to veer away from the southeastern coast, its broad wind field could affect marine conditions on Wednesday onward.
Flight-wise, operations in the region may experience challenges. Travelers can anticipate MVFR ceilings across D.C. and Baltimore terminals, with northeasterly winds that could "gust up to 20 knots at times this afternoon," per an advisory from the National Weather Service. While the week initiates with a humid and cooler environment, drier conditions and returning VFR are likely as the week concludes.
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