Wednesday is starting off sticky in Baltimore, with temperatures already in the upper 70s and thick humidity hanging in the air. The heat is expected to crank up to around 96°F this afternoon, but it will not stick around for long. A strong cold front is poised to move in later today and spark scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms. Forecasters warn that some of those storms could be strong to severe, with damaging winds and hail possible in parts of the region.
Afternoon And Evening: Severe Storm Risk
The main window for storms runs from mid-afternoon into the evening, roughly 2 p.m. through 9 p.m., as thunderstorms march east across the area. According to the National Weather Service, a few storms could turn strong to severe, packing damaging straight-line winds and hail. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch may be issued for portions of the region. Boaters should also take note of Small Craft Advisories over parts of the bay from mid-afternoon into the evening as storms roll through.
Commute And Outdoor Plans
Afternoon commutes and evening events are the most likely to be disrupted, with fast-hitting downpours capable of slashing visibility and causing brief roadway flooding. If you have outdoor plans, think about shifting them earlier or bringing them indoors, and keep a charged phone handy for weather alerts. Schools, camps, and outdoor vendors should have a quick plan to get people under cover if storms fire up nearby.
Cooler, Showery Trend Through Memorial Day
Once the front passes, temperatures tumble. Highs on Thursday will struggle to reach the upper 60s, and Friday and Saturday look cool and unsettled with on-and-off showers. The National Weather Service is calling for 1 to 3 inches of rain through early next week, with locally higher totals possible in the higher terrain. We first tracked the heat wave in this week's heat build-up.
Safety And Quick Tips
Stay flexible and smart about the weather: drink plenty of water, check the radar if you are heading outside this afternoon, and do not drive through standing water. If you rely on power for medical equipment, be ready for brief outages and shift sensitive outdoor activities to early morning or after storms have cleared.
