Baltimore woke up in a steam bath on Wednesday, with muggy, mostly cloudy skies and temperatures already sitting in the upper 60s to low 70s. Scattered showers are likely through mid-morning, then the atmosphere flips the switch to isolated to scattered thunderstorms from about midday into the late afternoon. Highs will climb into the mid to upper 80s, and any storm that pops could deliver brief but heavy downpours.
Morning Drizzle, Afternoon Boomers
Showers stand the best chance of rolling through before 11 a.m., with isolated storms possible around 1 to 2 p.m. and a broader round of showers and thunderstorms favored in the afternoon. Southwest winds will run about 5 to 12 mph, with gusts near 18 mph. Most spots should pick up between a tenth and a quarter of an inch of rain. According to the National Weather Service, the overall chance of precipitation this afternoon sits around 80 percent.
Heat Cranks Up Thursday And Friday
Late this week, the real sizzle arrives. Thursday and Friday are expected to turn much hotter, with highs surging into the mid to upper 90s and heat index values in some spots pushing past 100. Forecasters note that those numbers could approach Heat Advisory criteria in a few inland neighborhoods. Both days carry a daily risk for strong to severe thunderstorms. Thursday's threat is more conditional, while Friday is shaping up as the likelier day for organized severe storms if a front shows up on schedule.
Water, Tides And Boaters
Southerly flow paired with higher tides brought minor coastal flooding to a few low-lying areas early Wednesday, and Small Craft Advisories are in effect for portions of the local waters today. Boaters will want to keep a sharp eye on the sky this afternoon. Thunderstorms can kick up sudden gusts and choppy water, so it is worth thinking about delaying trips or heading for shore if storms start closing in.
Where To Cool Off And Stay Safe
If temperatures spike into the 90s later this week, Baltimore opens designated cooling centers during Code Red alerts. You can call 311 or check the Baltimore City Health Department list for locations and hours. Drink plenty of water, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, and have a quick indoor option in mind in case an afternoon thunderstorm rolls through with lightning or strong gusts.
Drier air should slide in by Saturday for a short breather, although highs will still run near the upper 80s to low 90s. Shower chances look set to return early next week. Keep an eye on updated forecasts and local alerts over the next 48 to 72 hours, since the timing and coverage of those late-week storms could still shift.
