Residents of Baltimore and the surrounding areas should brace for dreary weather conditions as a coastal low-pressure system makes its way along the Mid-Atlantic coast. According to the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC, the low is expected to travel north from the Carolina coast today and is set to move out to sea by Wednesday. Light rain and drizzle are anticipated, with the forecast projecting about one to two tenths of an inch of rainfall, predominantly in the northern Shenandoah Valley and east of the Blue Ridge. Other areas might see less significant moisture, with only occasional drizzle expected.
The same forecast indicates increased winds later in the day as the low moves nearer, with peak gusts possibly reaching 25-30 mph. Temperatures will struggle to climb, with anticipated highs resting in the upper 50s to low 60s for most regions, except for areas south/west of I-64, where additional sunshine may allow for warmer conditions. Relief from the lingering precipitation is expected on Tuesday afternoon, allowing for drier weather and a bump in temperatures back to the lower 70s.
By Tuesday night, a cold front is due to pass through the region, promoting clear skies but also introducing a dip in the temperature. Winds will become breezy, howling at around 20-25 mph on Wednesday afternoon. Overnight temperatures are forecasted to plunge to the upper 30s to 40s, with even cooler readings in the Alleghenies, although frost is not expected due to persistent winds.
Heading towards the weekend, forecasters at the National Weather Service predict that high pressure will assert itself over the East Coast, ensuring dry days ahead. As the high-pressure system shifts, returning warmth and moisture will likely usher in more clouds. Anticipated highs for the weekend hover in the 60s and 70s, while nighttime temperatures will settle comfortably into the 40s and 50s. However, Thursday is expected to sit as the week's coldest day, with lows in the not-so-toasty 30s and 40s across the forecast area.
In aviation news, travelers may experience delays, as sub-VFR conditions due to low clouds and drizzle are anticipated to persist throughout the day at area airports. According to the National Weather Service, winds could pick up significantly this afternoon, offering a brief respite where CIGs may improve to MVFR or possibly VFR conditions. Airports like CHO and MRB are expected to see conditions ameliorate tonight, though others may not witness improvement until Tuesday morning.
The maritime community should also take note as gale conditions begin to abate this morning, potentially transitioning to Small Craft Advisories through to Wednesday. Mariners can anticipate continued gusts of around 25-30 knots, although the Gale Warning is likely to expire shortly. Coastal flooding concerns are minimal, with action expected to remain below flood stages at most locations, despite some minor flooding projections near Dahlgren and Solomon's Island.
