As Baltimore braces itself for a nasty shock of cold air, residents can expect an unsettled Sunday followed by the coldest temperatures the season has seen thus far. According to the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC predicts a secondary cold front stalling and heading back north as a warm front before a stronger system sweeps through on Sunday night, plunging the area into a wintry hold.
For those stepping out today, it's a relatively mild picture with plush temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s, a westerly breeze, and an eventual increase in cloud cover later in the day. But this is merely the calm before the cold snap, as a secondary cold front approaches from the west tonight before lifting north of the Mason-Dixon Line, keeping Baltimore relatively warm, at least for a bit longer, with lows in the 40s and some 50s in urban areas and near the Chesapeake Bay.
Sunday, however, is shaping up to be a mixed bag with scattered showers during Sunday afternoon/early evening, and a few thunderstorms possibly rumbling through. Although severe weather is more likely further south, temperatures will still hold in the mid-60s to low 70s range before the front's arrival. But once it hits, the region is in for a rapid change, the service warns of gusts pushing 25 to 35 mph overnight as precipitation potentially turns to snow in mountainous areas.
The real bite comes on Monday, when highs will struggle to climb out of the 40s, with winds making it feel significantly colder. And as we look towards Tuesday, records could break with highs potentially stalled in the 30s for some areas. As the National Weather Service bluntly puts it, the core of the cold air looks to pivot over the Mid-Atlantic on Tuesday, with wind chills staying below freezing all day, and sinking to teens and single digits at higher elevations. Mariners and aviators should equally prepare for turbulent times, with upcoming gale warnings and potential aviation restrictions on the horizon.
For those concerned about fire weather, the recent rain provides some solace; however, the incoming cold, dry winds next week might stoke concerns again. There's also a coastal watch in effect as southerly winds keep water levels high, with some locations may reach Caution/Action stage, but for now, no minor flooding is expected. As storms barrel in and temperatures plummet, Baltimore is reminded that winter's edge is never far from autumn's heel.
