Baltimore is starting Friday, April 24 on a calm note, with mostly sunny skies, mild air in the low 60s and an afternoon high near 76 degrees on tap. The quiet weather will not stick around for long, though. Isolated to scattered showers and a few thunderstorms are expected to bubble up this afternoon, mainly between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., with the most active stretch likely in the mid-afternoon.
Most neighborhoods are likely to see a quick downpour or two at most. Still, forecasters warn that a stronger storm could briefly kick out a gust of damaging wind.
Afternoon Storms And Timing
Meteorologists are zeroing in on a window from about 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. for afternoon convection, with the highest odds around 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The official forecast carries about a 40% chance of precipitation, and most spots are expected to pick up less than a tenth of an inch of rain, according to the National Weather Service. A few isolated pockets could see heavier bursts, and while widespread severe weather is not anticipated, any beefier cell could briefly produce damaging gusts.
Weekend Cool Down And Rain
The spring warmth will ease back as a frontal boundary slips south on Saturday, April 25, dragging in cooler air and a steadier rain. Highs drop into the low 60s Saturday, with an east wind of 6 to 14 mph and gusts near 22 mph. The heaviest rainfall is expected Saturday night, when some locations could see between one-half and three-quarters of an inch.
Sunday, April 26 does not look like a day for sunglasses. Skies are likely to stay mostly cloudy, with additional showers in the mix and highs only around 58.
Commute And Boater Notes
For the evening drive, plan on damp, occasionally slick roads. Brief heavy downpours and gusty winds could reduce visibility and slow traffic, so it is a good idea to pad your travel time a bit. Transit riders should keep an eye on MTA Maryland for any service updates if the weather acts up.
Out on the water, boaters should monitor updated forecasts. Winds could ramp up to 20 to 25 knots Saturday night, and Small Craft Advisories may be needed.
