Baltimore wakes up on Sunday, March 29, 2026, on the chilly side, with temperatures sitting in the mid 30s, but it will not stay that way for long. Readings are expected to climb quickly under mostly sunny skies to a high near 60°F this afternoon. The tradeoff: gusty southwest winds, with peak gusts up to about 24 mph and relative humidity dropping into the low 20 to 30 percent range, will combine to create an elevated risk of rapid wildfire spread from late morning through early evening.
Special Weather Statement And Timing
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement flagging the heightened fire spread risk and spelling out the most dangerous window, roughly 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Forecasters cite drying fine fuels, low humidity, and stronger afternoon gusts as the key ingredients in today’s threat. You can read the full advisory from the NWS Baltimore/Washington.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southwest winds will ramp up through late morning and into the afternoon, generally running 2 to 15 mph with frequent gusts in the 20s. That extra mixing drags drier air down to the surface, turning any small flame or stray spark into a much bigger problem. On the water, mariners should be ready for choppy conditions and plan their trips with the stronger breezes in mind.
What Comes Next
Temperatures keep climbing as the new week gets going, with highs near 68°F on Monday and then into the upper 70s to around 80°F by Tuesday. A frontal passage on Wednesday could bring showers and thunderstorms that knock temperatures back. If that front stalls, rain chances may hang on into Thursday and Friday; if it keeps moving, expect a quicker cool down once the showers move through.
Safety Tips
Today is not the day for outdoor burning. Skip any open flames, make sure cigarettes are fully extinguished and disposed of properly, and keep vehicles off dry grass. Secure loose yard items that could blow around in the gusts. If you spot smoke or a fire that is not under control, call 911 and alert your local fire department right away, since fires can spread rapidly under today’s conditions.
Legal Implications
Existing open-air burning rules and permit requirements remain in force and can be enforced by state and county authorities, so avoid burning even if a small pile looks safe to you. For details on open-air burning regulations and permits, check with the Maryland DNR.
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