Baltimore rolled out of bed to a winter-like chill Wednesday morning, with temperatures stuck in the mid 30s and a Freeze Warning in place through 9 AM. After the frosty start, the rest of the day will turn dry and sunny, with a high near 52°F and light east winds around 5 mph. Gardeners and anyone with outdoor faucets will want to squeeze in a quick round of protection for tender plants and exposed plumbing before the sunshine takes the edge off the cold.
What To Expect Today
The Freeze Warning is posted until 9 AM EDT for much of the city and surrounding counties, and “frost and freeze conditions could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing,” according to the NWS Baltimore/Washington. By this afternoon, skies turn mostly sunny, the high climbs to around 52°F, and east winds ease around 5 mph, setting up a calm, dry commute for both school pickup and the ride home.
Out on the water, Small Craft Advisories on portions of the tidal Potomac and Chesapeake Bay have been extended into the morning, so boaters should tap into local marine forecasts before casting off. Conditions are expected to relax as the day goes on.
Tonight And The Week Ahead
Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 38°F, but efficient radiational cooling could carve out a few near-freezing pockets late tonight into Thursday morning, where a Freeze Watch is up. After that, temperatures stage a steady warmup later in the week. Highs reach the 70s by Friday and could push into the mid 80s by next Tuesday as southerly flow pulls milder air northward, according to the National Weather Service point forecast for Baltimore. A dry frontal passage on Saturday may trim a few degrees off weekend highs, but the broader pattern still looks noticeably milder than this morning’s shiver-fest.
Practical Tips
To ride out the chill, cover or move potted and tender plants indoors, disconnect or insulate outdoor hoses, and consider leaving a slow drip on exposed faucets to reduce freeze risk until temperatures climb. If you rely on automatic irrigation, double-check that systems are shut off or protected for the overnight and early morning hours. Around the waterfront, heed marine notices through mid-morning and plan on calmer, sub-Small Craft Advisory winds later today and into the weekend.
