Residents of Baltimore and the surrounding regions can expect a dramatic shift in weather patterns as the week unfolds, according to the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC. After a very light rain that dabbed the area early this morning, the forecast suggests that the skies will soon clear, ushering in cooler and drier conditions. High pressure from eastern Canada is slated to be the predominant force influencing weather through much of the week.
In the near term, Baltimore's nebulous skies are predicted to give way to gradual thinning this evening and eventual clearing overnight, as reported by The National Weather Service. A strengthening of north-northeast winds has been ushering in drier air, particularly at the 850 millibar level, pushing the last of the rain out of the region except for certain parts of central Virginia along and south of I-64. Meanwhile, despite a strong cold front tracking across the area tonight, the rain will linger the longest there before it gives way to a cooler air mass settling in for the mid to late week.
Looking ahead to Wednesday and Thursday, a building high-pressure system from Quebec is expected to keep the skies clear, with winds taking a shift eastward as the high slides offshore by Thursday. "Mid-high level overcast today will gradually thin out this evening with clearing expected overnight," stated the National Weather Service's recent forecast discussion. However, a forecasted development of onshore winds on Thursday might bring more cloud cover, with a stratocumulus deck anticipated to form. Temperatures are expected to drop accordingly, suggesting highs around 70 and possible dips into the 40s west of the Interstate 95 corridor.
The extended forecast holds promises of continued dry conditions and moderating temperatures. Strong surface high pressure along the eastern seaboard is on track to dominate the weather scene right through the weekend, with a slight eastward drift possible early next week. Although we are looking at a below-normal temperature on Friday, the National Weather Service anticipates that the thermometer will notch upwards over the weekend, rising above normal. With these conditions, no significant weather is expected Friday and Saturday as strong high pressure remains overhead, the forecast confirms. However, there are some indications that moisture could start wrapping around this ridge from the south by Monday.
Mariners should take note of the Small Craft Advisory as northerly winds, strengthening from today into tomorrow, will pose a challenge. This advisory extends into Thursday evening, with winds expected to relax gradually afterward. The National Weather Service cautions boaters, SCA conditions expected, hinting at the rough conditions to dominate marine travel for the short term. As we approach the weekend, southerly winds on Friday should remain gentle, staying below advisory criteria into Saturday under the watchful gaze of the nearby high pressure.
In terms of water levels, strengthening north to northeast winds should keep tidal anomalies in check into Wednesday. However, Baltimore could see the threat of minor to moderate coastal flooding later in the week, especially around the Annapolis area, due to a snapback tide effect. This tidal change is predicted as the strong northeastern winds start to wane Wednesday night, then turn east to southeast Thursday afternoon into Friday.
