Baltimore gets one more mostly sunny day to ease into the workweek on Monday, July 20, 2026, starting in the upper 60s and climbing to a high near 87°F this afternoon. After that, all eyes shift to Tuesday, July 21, when strong to severe thunderstorms are likely and could bring damaging gusts, heavy downpours and even an isolated tornado risk.
Today
Monday stays mostly sunny, warm and not yet oppressive, with highs around 87°F and light east winds at 2-7 mph. Clouds will build late tonight, and there is a slight chance of showers and a thunderstorm between about 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2026, with lows near 72°F.
The Tuesday morning commute should be fine, but you will feel humidity creeping up ahead of the incoming front.
Storm Risk Tuesday
Tuesday, July 21, 2026, is the day to watch. A warm, humid air mass teaming up with an approaching front will make showers and thunderstorms likely and nudge highs toward 90°F.
Damaging winds will be the main concern, but forecasters note that large hail, an isolated tornado, and localized flash flooding from heavy or training downpours are all on the table. The most intense storms are expected in the afternoon and evening.
Localized rain totals of roughly one-half to three-quarters of an inch are possible where storms stall or repeatedly move over the same areas, according to the National Weather Service.
Marine and Tides
Out on the water, boaters should pay attention: a Small Craft Advisory is in effect from 8 p.m. Monday, July 20, through 5 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, for favored portions of the Chesapeake Bay.
Increasing southeast and southerly flow into Tuesday could push water levels toward action stages, and forecasters say Annapolis may approach minor flood stage around high tide. If you live on low-lying streets or rely on a waterfront route to get to work, build in extra time and monitor tide updates.
How To Prepare
Before storms fire up, secure or bring inside lightweight outdoor items and, if you can, trim loose branches ahead of the afternoon. Avoid driving through standing water, no matter how shallow it looks.
Small boats should stay in port during the advisory window, and anyone with outdoor plans Tuesday afternoon or evening should have an indoor backup ready. For background and earlier forecasts, see our coverage of soupy fog and flash flood threats.
What Comes After
Once this system moves through, high pressure is expected to build in the late week, bringing slightly cooler, drier weather. Highs should settle back into the low 80s by Thursday and Friday.
For the latest timing and any watches or advisories that may be issued, keep an eye on local updates through Tuesday evening.
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