Tuesday, April 14, 2026, started on a deceptively pleasant note in Baltimore, with mild early-spring air and temperatures already in the mid-60s at the Inner Harbor. That comfort will not last. Forecasts call for a sunny, hot afternoon with a high near 87°F and gusty southwest winds that will make it feel even warmer. Boaters and waterside commuters should be ready for choppy conditions later today, with only a small chance of showers or thunderstorms late this evening.
Afternoon Outlook
A Small Craft Advisory is in effect from 1 PM to 8 PM EDT for the Chesapeake Bay, Patapsco River, and tidal Potomac, with south winds of 10 to 15 kt and gusts up to 25 kt expected to make conditions hazardous for smaller vessels, according to the National Weather Service. On land, southwest winds of 10 to 14 mph with higher gusts will help send temperatures into the upper 80s, with a forecast high near 87°F and an overnight low around 68°F. Forecast models point to a slight chance of a shower or thunderstorm this evening before conditions settle down, as noted in the National Weather Service.
Heat Spike Through The Week
High pressure is expected to hang on into Wednesday and Thursday, pushing highs into the upper 80s to low 90s in some spots and putting several daily temperature records on the chopping block. Overnight lows will stay unusually warm, which will offer little relief once the sun goes down. The combination of dry fuels and gusty afternoon winds is creating an elevated fire-weather risk midweek, and forecasters say Fire Weather Watches may be needed. Anyone with outdoor plans later this week would be wise to shift heavy yard work, workouts, or events to mornings or evenings and make sure water and shade are part of the plan.
What To Do
Before the afternoon gusts pick up, secure patio furniture and tie down umbrellas so they do not turn into airborne projectiles, and hold off on any outdoor burning while fuels are this dry. Boaters and small-craft operators should skip nonessential trips while the advisory is active, and event planners should have a backup plan for the mid-afternoon heat. For more on the broader setup behind this warm spell, see the warming pattern we flagged earlier this week.
