The National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC has issued an area forecast discussion showing Arctic high pressure settling over Baltimore today with high winds expected to taper off by the afternoon, temperatures will hover well below normal throughout the day, and wind chills this morning are projected in the single digits, with negative values hitting the higher elevations.
Heading into Tuesday, the arctic high is tipped to shift offshore, indicating a gradual rise in temperatures although still lingering below average, with overnight lows predicted to jump back into the mid to upper 20s, it won't be until Wednesday that the high pressure moves east and an upper ridge builds, which will result in temperatures finally climbing above normal, reaching upper 40s to mid 50s. A strong cold front poised to sweep through on Thursday brings the next chance for precipitation with a potential for beneficial rain across the area before another plunge in temperatures and windy conditions set in for Friday.
For aviation interests, VFR conditions are forecast to prevail until late Thursday, when another system approaches, potentially reducing visibility. Southerly winds are expected to gather strength Thursday afternoon, potentially necessitating further advisories for mariners, especially with Small Craft Advisory (SCA) conditions posited for both Thursday and Friday. Furthermore, Gale conditions have been observed to de-escalate with sustained winds. A Low Water Advisory is in place today due to the northwesterly winds imposing unusually low water levels at low tide; however, these levels are anticipated to recover as the winds veer southwesterly.
Residents should remain aware of multiple National Weather Service advisories, including the Low Water Advisory and Cold Weather Advisories affecting both Maryland and Virginia areas, and small craft advisories in effect for the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The impact of the departing Arctic blast is evident in the precautionary measures the region has mandated to ensure safety across land and sea in Baltimore and surrounding areas.
