The Baltimore area is wrapping up under a blanket of Canadian high pressure, which is steadily building in from the west. Residents can expect temperatures cooler than normal and a break from rain, as forecasted by the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC. "Canadian high pressure will build in from the west through Monday, then settle to the north of the area by the middle of the week," as noted in the morning forecast discussion. This brings a welcome respite after showers clear the east by mid-afternoon, giving way to clearing skies from west to east and temps in the 70s – slightly cooler in the mountains.
With the weather system comes a nip, especially during the nights, when temperatures could plunge into the 40s and even the 30s at higher elevations. The dry air and light winds contribute to this drop, bringing the possibility of the first taste of fall to the Baltimore region. A mainly clear sky tonight sets the stage for these cooler temperatures by daybreak Monday. The coming days will continue with below normal temperatures and northeasterly breezes, as relayed by the National Weather Service.
Looking ahead, the forecast anticipates continued tranquility in terms of weather activity, with longwave troughing over the eastern United States influencing Baltimore's weather patterns. There will be a true taste of early Fall around here for the remainder of the workweek and upcoming weekend, with daytime highs in the low to mid-70s and occasional dips into the cooler 40s at night, as mentioned in the service's long-term outlook. High-elevation areas like the Alleghenies can look forward to even crisper temperatures.
The aviation sector will also feel the weather's effects. Following morning showers that are expected to clear by midday Sunday, the rest of the week seems poised for generally VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions. However, lower ceilings could be a factor Tuesday night closer to the Chesapeake Bay due to an offshore low-pressure system. On the waters, mariners should prepare for Small Craft Advisories that are in effect for various zones along the Chesapeake Bay. Gusts reaching 15-20 knots may occur, and the advisories suggest precautionary measures through early Monday.
As for potential coastal flooding, the strength of the gradient and exact wind direction will be critical in determining just how much excess water swells up the bay, warns the National Weather Service. With onshore flow set to pick up by Tuesday, minor flooding along vulnerable shorelines could become a reality starting late Tuesday. Mariners and coastal residents alike should prepare accordingly for these changes and take heed of advisories in their areas.
