Baltimoreans should brace themselves for a weather roller coaster this weekend if the forecast holds. The National Weather Service's latest bulletin points to a warm front moving in today, soon to be replaced by a swiftly moving cold front this evening. Saturday won't provide much relief either, with two additional cold fronts predicted and a low that's set to move along the one that stalls out.
The temperature forecast for today is a bit of a puzzle, especially to the east of the Blue Ridge, where it's anticipated some spots might not escape the 40s beneath a heavy cloud blanket. Most guidance suggests that temperatures will make it into the upper 50s to near 60 areawide, the report notes. Although the chill is temporary, as winds shift northward, they'll bring in cooler and drier air from our neighbors up north. But then, it's right back into the thick of it, with precipitation expected to pick up again later tonight.
Saturday's forecast doesn't look much brighter with a steady soaking rain anticipated through much of the day. The need for rain is poignant, given the ongoing drought conditions we've been trudging through. And while the heavens open up overhead, most will be stuck indoors with temperatures lingering stubbornly in the 40s. An even more chilling possibility looms in far western Allegany and eastern Garrett counties, where freezing rain could make an appearance.
Looking towards Sunday, it's a switch to windy and significantly cooler vibes, with highs around the 40s, and even lower in mountainous regions. To exacerbate the winter chill, northwesterly winds gusting to around 30-40 mph are expected. It’s not all doom and gloom, though, as a period of dry conditions is also forecast to settle in next week, providing a brief respite and a gradual warming trend through Wednesday.
The aviation aspect of the weather isn't offering reprieve either, with IFR to sub-IFR conditions and a side of gusty winds expected to challenge our airports and the pilots trying to navigate them. Mariners aren't left out of the mix, with potential small craft advisory conditions over the weekend and gale-force gusts thrown in for good measure come Sunday. Monday continues the trend of blustery conditions, with the intensity of the winds expected to wane as the new week progresses, returning to more manageable levels by Tuesday.
For locals and visitors alike, keeping abreast of the weather will be key to navigating the potentially tumultuous conditions in Baltimore. For now, layers and rain boots seem to be the order of the day.
