As of Sunday, May 3 at 5:40 a.m., Reagan National Airport reported clear skies and a temperature near 45°F. Expect a bright, early May kind of day with plenty of sun, a high around 64°F, and northwest winds at 8 to 14 mph, with gusts this afternoon that could reach about 23 mph.
Frost And Freeze Advisories
Freeze Warnings and Frost Advisories remain in effect until 9 a.m. Sunday, May 3, 2026 for parts of central Maryland, the Virginia Piedmont, and higher elevations, according to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington. Gardeners should cover tender plants, and early commuters should keep an eye out for frosty patches on bridges this morning. County-level advisory details and the latest updates are posted on the office forecast page.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Northwest gusts will crank up into the afternoon, which could make bike commutes and high-profile vehicle travel across bridges a bit choppier than the blue sky suggests. Secure loose outdoor items, dress in layers, and be ready for a breeze that feels cooler than the midday sun lets on.
Boaters And Tides
Small Craft Advisories cover portions of the tidal Potomac and Chesapeake into this evening, so small vessels should stay in port until seas calm down and winds ease. Tidal anomalies rise into Monday morning, and sensitive spots such as Annapolis could approach minor flood levels during the Monday high tide.
Midweek Storm Risk
A strong frontal system arrives midweek, with clouds increasing Tuesday night and a solid chance of showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Early estimates keep total rainfall in the neighborhood of 1.00 to 1.25 inches through Friday, with a modest severe-storm threat if the coastal low edges farther north. Anyone planning outdoor events later in the week should keep an eye on updated forecasts.
How To Prepare
Enjoy the sunshine today, but plan for a blustery afternoon and make sure sensitive plants are covered before dawn. Looking ahead, have an indoor backup ready for midweek outdoor plans and check updated marine and storm information as the front approaches. We updated this piece from our May 1 forecast with the latest timing and the midweek storm outlook.
