The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington DC has forecasted that the dissipating cold front that hovered over the Appalachians early Friday morning will give way to sunny skies with high temperatures soaring into the 80s, possibly touching 90 degrees in some areas. According to their recent update, the warm and dry conditions are to be accompanied by breezy winds throughout today.
However, as the weekend approaches, a much stronger cold front is expected to cross the area on Saturday, bringing with it another round of showers and potentially gusty thunderstorms. Depending on the evolution of convection upstream, some showers or thunderstorms in a weakening state may approach the Alleghenies this evening, the National Weather Service report noted, suggesting that while the prospect for severe weather is low due to the loss of daytime stability, gusty winds could still occur.
The shifting weather patterns mean a noticeable drop in temperatures come Sunday night, with lows potentially hitting the 30s in some high elevation valleys. Come Monday, a Canadian high-pressure system will set the stage for an early fall-like week, as noted by the National Weather Service. This system is expected to bring drier air and more seasonal temperatures through much of next week, with highs in the low to mid 70s and cooler nights.
Concerning aviation, VFR conditions are set to remain constant through the weekend, although pilots should remain vigilant for any potential fog or thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon. VFR conditions look to prevail Monday through Thursday, the weather update stated, along with a reminder that northerly winds will eventually make a shift to the east and northeast come Tuesday and Wednesday. Meanwhile, small craft advisories have been issued for various zones, as outlined by the National Weather Service's recent marine section update, indicating that boaters need to exercise caution, particularly through Saturday ahead of, and behind, the impending front.
Tides and potential coastal flooding are also factors to watch as a result of the shifting winds associated with the frontal passages. Minor coastal flooding could still occur in some locations tonight, though water levels are expected to decrease as the stronger front arrives on Saturday. This front will bring a wind shift on Saturday, which will decrease water levels, the forecast concluded. Residents in coastal regions are advised to stay updated with the latest conditions and advisories.
