After record-breaking heat on Tuesday and Wednesday, Baltimore woke up to a hard reset Thursday morning: overcast skies, a chilly breeze and on-and-off showers instead of blazing sun. Highs will barely claw their way into the mid 60s, and periods of rain, some with thunder, are expected through the afternoon and evening. The cool, damp switch flips the region into a mainly wet stretch through the holiday weekend that could slow evening commutes and put a damper on backyard cookouts and other outdoor plans.
What To Expect Today
Showers and thunderstorms are most likely this afternoon, with a high near 64°F and northeast winds of 7 to 10 mph that could gust up to 20 mph. Heavier showers may drop a quarter to a half inch of rain, with light drizzle filling in the gaps between stronger cells. You can track the hour-by-hour setup from the National Weather Service.
Afternoon Commute And Flooding Risk
Bursts of moderate rain could leave roads slick and lead to brief ponding in low-lying and poor-drainage neighborhoods during the afternoon and evening commute. Forecasters note that training showers could trigger localized urban flooding in the usual trouble spots, so build in extra travel time and do not drive through standing water. This hydro concern is specifically highlighted in the National Weather Service.
Boaters And Waterfronts
Small Craft Advisories are posted for much of the Chesapeake Bay and the lower tidal Potomac this morning into the afternoon, with persistent onshore gusts and choppy seas creating hazardous conditions for smaller vessels. If you are heading out, secure loose gear, avoid exposed stretches, and check the latest marine forecast before you launch. Local marine hazards and timing are detailed by the National Weather Service.
Weekend Outlook
Rain chances stick around through Saturday and Sunday, with showers and thunderstorms expected at times as the pattern slowly warms back up. Forecasters say highs could rebound into the upper 70s by Memorial Day and reach the low 80s on Tuesday as conditions moderate. For more on the timing of each round of rain, see the latest discussion from the National Weather Service.
