Baltimore residents should prepare for a mix of weather conditions as a coastal low approaches and a strong cold front is expected next weekend. According to the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC, winds will pick up this afternoon with gusts ranging from 20 to 25 mph in areas along and east of I-81, and some areas will see higher gusts around 25-35 mph.
As the coastal low off the Outer Banks continues inland, rains are expected to spread across the region, promising beneficial rainfall. However, not all areas will see the same amounts. Areas west of the Blue Ridge will be mostly terrain blocked, so amounts likely total at most 0.10" to 0.20", while east of I-95 could see up to 1" of rain," the weather service noted. Southern Maryland might anticipate the highest totals, anywhere between 1 to 1.5 inches. Despite the incoming precipitation and grey skies, temperature highs will remain mild, sticking to the 60s and low to mid-70s.
The weather will keep on its toes for quite a bit; the aforementioned coastal low is weakening throughout Wednesday, while showers are expected to hang around, particularly along and east of US-15. This keeps highs once again mostly in the upper 60s to around 70°F, according to the forecast. Relief from the wet conditions should start Wednesday night, with the weather service predicting a dry and warmer Thursday.
Moving into the weekend, the narrative changes as a cold front moves down from eastern Canada, causing temperatures to take a dip following a mid/upper 80s day on Friday. After Friday offers high temperatures into the mid/upper 80s, expect a 5 to 10 degree drop off into the first half of the weekend, the service reports. Light showers could graze the region by Sunday into Monday, with chances lingering around 15-20 percent, but the system bringing them is expected to be weak.
Aviation forecasts from the National Weather Service signal that sub-VFR conditions are possible due to expected showers and the closeness of the coastal low. Most impacts are to occur today through Wednesday night, with possible improvements heading into Thursday.
For mariners, the situation calls for extra caution as hazardous conditions persist until Wednesday evening. The strongest gusts, up to 40 knots, have led to Gale Warnings for several areas. Boating should improve late Wednesday night into Thursday as winds diminish.
Lastly, coastal flooding remains a concern. Onshore winds increase through Tuesday afternoon, prompted by the interaction between high pressure and the developing low off the coast. The threat of flooding is particularly present Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, with further concerns possible later in the week when the low dissipates and winds ease. Monitoring the situation and staying prepared is advised for those in vulnerable areas.
