Baltimore is gearing up for a notable shift in weather patterns as high pressure builds from the Ohio River Valley towards the Mid-Atlantic. According to the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC, this will result in drier conditions today, complete with a gusty breeze. Temperature-wise, it'll be a few notches colder than yesterday, with the mercury hovering in the upper 50s to lower 60s, and dipping a bit more in the mountains.
Tonight's forecast points to even cooler temperatures as the skies stay dry, with lows in the mid to upper 30s. As we sail into Friday, winds from a southerly direction are expected to pick up ahead of a cold front, possibly leading to small craft advisories on the water. Residents should keep an eye out for more definitive updates as the front approaches.
Over the weekend, a stronger frontal system is slated to herald the coldest airmass of the season so far early next week, as mentioned by the National Weather Service. While the amount of accompanying moisture and potential rainfall remains a question, the service anticipates a chance for showers or even some brisk thunderstorms, with overall light rainfall amounts.
However, it's the post-frontal chill that's the real headline here. Temperatures west of I-95 are likely to tumble below freezing by early Monday morning, with 20s predicted over higher elevations. That could mean a widespread freeze Monday night into Tuesday morning, possibly signaling the end of the growing season for some areas. By Wednesday, things may start to warm up a tad, giving a brief respite from the biting cold.
For avid aviators, the airmen may find some relief knowing VFR conditions are expected to persist through today. However, the approach of the cold front on Friday could disrupt this, with sub-VFR conditions possible as a result of overnight rain. Come Sunday, as the system sweeps in, flyers should brace for potential brief restrictions due to showers or storms, per the National Weather Service's aviation report.
In terms of fire weather, the concern appears to have ebbed slightly for today. The period of low RH and decreasing winds doesn't seem to align in a manner that would heavily favor the spread of wildfires, although existing fires will still face the challenge of dry conditions and low RH, as highlighted in the regional forecast.
