Baltimore woke up on Saturday, March 28, 2026, to a cold, cranky sort of morning: temperatures in the mid 30s, a biting northwest wind, and that classic early spring feeling that it is not quite as warm as it looks. Skies stay mostly clear, and afternoon highs should reach about 52°F, but the real story for anyone with outdoor plans will be the wind.
Afternoon Winds And Fire Risk
Northwest winds are expected to ramp up to 10 to 15 mph, with gusts pushing into the mid-20 mph range and occasionally near 30 mph. At the same time, minimum relative humidity will drop into the teens to mid-20s. That combination of gusty winds and very dry fine fuels means any fire that starts could spread quickly between roughly 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, according to NWS Baltimore/Washington.
People thinking about burning yard debris or lighting any kind of open fire should hit pause. For rules and safety guidance on open-air burning in Maryland, check the Maryland DNR.
Weekend And Midweek Outlook
The chill does not last long. A warming trend kicks in on Sunday, March 29, 2026, with highs near 59°F. Temperatures then climb steadily into the upper 70s by Tuesday, March 31, and Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
That warm-up also brings a bit more action to the sky. There is a chance for spotty showers on Monday, and a higher chance of showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday. Any storms on Wednesday could feature brief heavy downpours along with more gusty winds.
What To Do Today
Given the fire risk, skip any planned open burns or yard fires. Keep vehicles off dry grass and avoid running spark-prone equipment in dry fields. Around the house, secure patio furniture and anything light enough to take flight in a 30 mph gust.
If you are heading out on the water, treat the bay with extra respect today. Small Craft Advisory conditions are expected through this evening, so boaters should plan for choppy water and stiff winds on the bay.
.jpg){kind=link}