Baltimore woke up to a mild, mostly cloudy morning around 57°F, but the quiet start will not last long. Temperatures are expected to jump quickly, with highs near 77°F and a chance of rain creeping in after 9 a.m. Any storms that bubble up this afternoon could turn severe, especially along the I-95 corridor between about 3 and 8 p.m.
Afternoon Severe Threat
Forecasters still are not fully confident on how widespread the storms will be, but the ingredients are there for trouble. Any stronger cells could deliver damaging straight-line winds, large hail, and, in a few isolated cases, a tornado. Storms firing over western Maryland and into West Virginia this afternoon may organize and slide east, lining up with the I-95 corridor by late afternoon and into the evening hours. For the latest watches and warnings, keep an eye on the National Weather Service.
Boaters And The Commute
On the water, boaters should plan for building southerly winds this afternoon and a Small Craft Advisory for parts of the Chesapeake and tidal Potomac beginning at 2 p.m. Wednesday and continuing into early Thursday. Gusts over open water may reach about 20 to 25 knots, roughly 25 to 30 mph. On land, southerly gusts this afternoon could push into the 20s, with even stronger northwest gusts expected behind the front on Thursday and Friday. It is a good day to tie down anything loose outside and factor in some extra time for the evening drive.
Fire Weather Through The Weekend
Behind this system, forecasters are eyeing a conditional fire-weather concern from Thursday into the weekend. Friday currently stands out as the day to watch if widespread rain does not materialize. Dry air paired with gusty winds could send humidities into the 20s in some valleys, which would make it easier for any new fires to spread quickly. How serious that threat becomes depends heavily on how much rain actually falls today. Some neighborhoods may see a quarter to half an inch, while rain-shadowed valleys could come through relatively dry.
How To Prepare
Make sure phones are fully charged, weather alerts are switched on, and any afternoon outdoor plans have an indoor backup in case storms roll in. Mariners should hold off on nonessential trips while the advisory is in effect, and everyone should secure patio furniture, signage, and other loose items before the evening commute. If severe-weather warnings are issued, follow local sheltering guidance and avoid driving through heavy rain or across flooded roads.
