Baltimore wakes up on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, to cool, mostly clear skies and temps near 59°F, but the day will not stay mild for long. By mid-afternoon, the mercury is expected to surge into the mid-80s. Southwesterly winds will steadily crank up through the day, so if you have outdoor plans that involve anything lightweight, the morning is your safest bet before the afternoon breeze starts shoving around patio chairs and umbrellas.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Today’s high should land near 85°F, with humidity dropping into the 20s by mid-afternoon for a warm and notably dry stretch of daylight hours. Southwest winds around 7 to 17 mph will be common, and gusts could spike to about 30 mph, which may be enough to hassle cyclists and drivers in high-profile vehicles. According to the National Weather Service, those gusts are expected to continue into the evening before gradually easing overnight.
Wednesday Rain And Thunderstorms
On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, a cold front moves through and flips the script. Rain showers are likely from the morning into the afternoon, followed by showers with thunderstorms into the evening. Forecasters are calling for a high near 75°F and a very high chance of rain. Most spots around the region should pick up about a tenth to a quarter of an inch, with some locally heavier downpours in the mix. For how this setup has been taking shape, see our May 4 preview on the midweek storm punch.
Boaters And Commuters
Small Craft Advisories are in effect for local tidal waters starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday and running through Wednesday afternoon, so mariners should think twice about taking small boats out and make sure loose gear is secured. With strong southerly gusts in play and higher tides this week, some low-lying docks and slips could see elevated water levels, so it is smart to check tide and marine updates before heading out.
Fire Weather Note
That combo of warm, dry air and gusty winds will bump up fire-weather concerns this afternoon, especially west of the Blue Ridge, where fuels are still on the dry side. Within Baltimore’s greener urban footprint, the risk is somewhat lower, but officials still recommend avoiding outdoor burning and calling 911 if you spot visible smoke so crews can jump on any problems quickly.
Bottom line: enjoy the warm and calm part of Tuesday while it lasts, secure anything that can blow around, and hold off on small-boat trips while advisories are active. Then plan for a soggy, possibly stormy Wednesday that could slow down the evening commute. We will pass along any changes in advisories or timing, and you can track the latest updates directly from the National Weather Service.
