Baltimore woke up to a cool, soggy start on Friday morning, May 22, with temperatures hovering around 58°F and steady rain showers expected to hang on through the afternoon. The high should only reach about 63°F, and an easterly breeze will keep things feeling chilly for anyone walking, waiting for a bus or ride, or trying to squeeze in errands.
Afternoon Into Tonight
Showers are expected through Friday afternoon and into the evening, with the chance of precipitation sitting near 90%. Another tenth to a quarter of an inch of rain is likely this afternoon, followed by steadier, heavier bands tonight that could drop an additional half to three quarters of an inch. East winds will run around 7 to 12 mph with gusts near 20 to 21 mph, which could slow the evening commute and turn umbrellas into a bit of a losing battle. For the latest timing and neighborhood-specific updates, see the National Weather Service.
Saturday: Heavier Rain And Gusts
A slow-moving coastal trough will lift north on Saturday, keeping showers and thunderstorms going for much of the day. The National Weather Service discussion calls for 1 to 2 inches of rain across much of the region, with locally higher totals possible near the Pennsylvania line. East winds of 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 26 mph, could make it feel especially raw and may lead to brief heavy downpours that pond water on streets and drag traffic to a crawl. These heavier rainfall projections and gusts are laid out in the office discussion, detailed in the National Weather Service.
Marine, Tides And Travel
Small Craft Advisories are in effect for parts of the Chesapeake and Patapsco through Saturday morning, with choppy waters and gusts that may approach 25 knots in more exposed areas. Onshore flow could nudge tidal levels higher, and Annapolis may flirt with minor flood stage Saturday afternoon, so shoreline residents and businesses should be ready for higher-than-normal tides. Boaters and anyone with waterfront plans should keep close tabs on the latest office forecast from the National Weather Service.
Plan Ahead
Anyone counting on outdoor time over the holiday weekend will want waterproof layers and a flexible schedule, especially with Saturday’s steadier rain posing the biggest threat to events. Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, is expected to turn warmer with highs near 79°F, but it still carries a healthy chance of showers and thunderstorms. Keep a backup plan, stay weather aware, and check for fresh updates from the National Weather Service before heading out.
