Baltimore is set to experience a mix of weather patterns this week, starting with a dry and sunny day today, followed by morning precipitation. According to the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC, high pressure building overhead today will give way to a cold front poised to sweep the area on Tuesday night. This will culminate in drier conditions midweek, with a potential fire weather risk flagged for the latter part of the week.
Temperatures are expected to dive today, with forecast highs in the 50s and 60s—a significant drop from yesterday, precipitation chances linger this morning as the front moves farther away from the forecast area states the National Weather Service. Winds are also going to be strong in the morning, with gusts ranging from 20 to 30 knots, especially in the Alleghenies, but should settle down by evening, allowing for lighter overnight winds. While temperatures overnight will range, linked by the higher elevations to reach into the 30s, most places will see lows in the 40s.
Ahead of the approaching cold front on Tuesday, conditions will be warmer and winds southerly, leading to highs in the 60s to low 70s, with the Alleghenies remaining cooler. The front itself is expected to bring limited precipitation to the northern half of the forecast region, with the southern area likely to stay dry. As the cold front departs, gusty west winds will bring showers to the Alleghenies, while sunny skies will prevail elsewhere.
Thursday's outlook indicates persistent winds that remain somewhat elevated into Thursday as well, according to the NWS, potentially leading to dry conditions in the valleys west, raising concerns about fire weather risk. While the winds will reduce slightly by Friday, continuous drying means careful monitoring will be required through the week. A low-pressure system brewing in the central Plains could influence the weather going into the next weekend, but with models differing on outcomes, the forecast for precipitation is tentative.
For aviation, VFR conditions are forecast for most of this week, with gusty winds a possibility after the Tuesday cold front passage. Marine activities will see Small Craft Advisories in effect until later today due to strong west winds, and additional advisories may follow on Tuesday and Wednesday. With tidal anomalies dropping in the wake of the cold front, the risk of coastal flooding is expected to abate following this morning’s high tide cycle, lessening concerns in locations that were near minor flood stage.
