Early Sunday morning, May 3, Baltimore woke up to mostly clear skies and a chilly start in the low-to-mid 40s (about 44°F). Freeze Warnings and Frost Advisories are still in effect through 9 a.m. for higher elevations and parts of central Maryland, so gardeners and anyone with exposed outdoor plumbing will want to keep things covered a little longer. Otherwise, it is shaping up to be a bright and breezy day along the harbor.
Sunny With Gusty Northwest Winds
On Sunday, May 3, expect plenty of sunshine and a high near 64°F, with northwest winds of 8–15 mph and gusts up to about 23 mph this afternoon. Those gusts will hit hardest on exposed bridges, in waterfront neighborhoods and around the harbor, so secure lightweight outdoor items and plan on an extra layer if you are out running errands. Winds look to peak through mid-afternoon before easing after sunset.
Boaters, Tides And Small Craft Advisories
Small Craft Advisories have been expanded to cover the middle portions of the Tidal Potomac and remain in effect through this evening, meaning choppy water and gusty conditions for smaller boats. Sensitive tidal spots, especially around Annapolis, could see water ponding on low-lying streets during the Monday morning high-tide cycle as tidal anomalies rise. Mariners should secure loose gear and skip nonessential trips, while shoreline residents near docks will want to tie down anything that could blow or float away.
Warm Up Then Midweek Storms
A quick warm-up follows on Monday, May 4, with highs near 75°F, then builds into Tuesday, May 5, with highs near 83°F, ahead of a strong cold front expected midweek. According to the National Weather Service, widespread showers and thunderstorms are most likely on Wednesday, May 6, with early rainfall estimates around 1.00–1.25 inches and a modest risk of severe storms in parts of the region. If the front tracks a bit farther north, the severe potential could increase, so it is worth checking in on forecast updates through midweek.
Plan Ahead
Protect tender plants and outdoor plumbing ahead of tonight's low temperatures, give yourself extra travel time where gusty bridges and waterfront roads are involved, and double-check the marine forecast before heading out on the water. We published yesterday's chill, frost threat and high tides as a deeper dive into the tidal and frost concerns; this update adds the expanded small craft advisory and the midweek storm setup. We will keep readers posted if any watches or warnings are upgraded or extended.
