Baltimore woke up in the upper 40s under mostly cloudy skies, but a strong push of southerly air is set to flip the script by this afternoon. A forecast high around 766 F, paired with gusty southwest winds, will make it feel much more like spring for a brief window. If you have outdoor plans, enjoy the warm burst while it lasts, because it is the classic quick tease ahead of an approaching front.
Afternoon Heat And Gusty Winds
Temperatures climb into the mid-to-upper range this afternoon while southwest winds increase to about 8 to 14 mph, with gusts up to roughly 22 mph on exposed roadways and along the Inner Harbor. Aviation sites may see gusts to 20 to 25 knots this afternoon, so expect blustery conditions on bridges and waterfront walkways. According to the National Weather Service, these gusts will be the primary wind concern while skies stay mostly dry through the day.
Tonight Into Friday: Showers And A Few Thunderstorms
A cold front moves through this evening, bringing a slight chance for isolated thunderstorms late tonight and a much higher chance of steady rain on Friday. Forecast guidance puts tonight's precipitation chance near 40%, with Friday's rain likely to produce roughly 0.25 to 0.50 inches across the metro, with heavier amounts in the higher terrain. Friday turns noticeably cooler, with highs only near the upper 50s as the front lingers into the afternoon. According to the National Weather Service, a few stronger storms are possible west of the city, where instability is a bit higher, although wind is the main concern rather than widespread severe weather.
Boaters And Tide Watch
Small craft advisories remain in effect for Chesapeake waters through the early morning hours and again this afternoon into tonight, so operators of smaller boats should expect choppy conditions and gusty southerly winds. The forecast office also flags elevated tide levels at sensitive waterfront locations during today's early-afternoon high tide, so waterfront residents and mariners should keep an eye on local tide channels.
Weekend Outlook
Behind the front, much cooler air arrives Saturday with a breezy northwest wind and highs only near 486 F under mostly sunny skies. Saturday night could be chilly in inland spots, with lows in the mid-20s, but Sunday starts a gradual rebound with milder afternoons ahead and a stronger warm-up possible by the middle of next week.
Bottom line: enjoy the warm, gusty afternoon while you have it, grab a light rain jacket for tonight and Friday, and if you are heading to the waterfront or planning outdoor events, secure loose items and check marine advisories before you go.
