Baltimore starts Friday hot and muggy, with temperatures near 76 degrees early and a high around 91. Mostly sunny skies will give way to a chance of thunderstorms after 3 p.m., putting a stormy exclamation point on an otherwise sweaty day.
Storms Could Reach Baltimore During The Evening Rush
According to the National Weather Service, southwest winds will remain light at 0 to 7 mph, while the heat index could reach 100. The forecast puts the daytime rain chance at 30%, rising to 70% Friday night as showers and thunderstorms move through, with some storms capable of producing heavy rain.
The NWS forecast discussion says the severe-weather threat is higher Friday, especially near the I-95 corridor, with damaging wind gusts the main concern and isolated large hail possible. The forecast lists no watches, warnings or advisories for Baltimore, but the combination of heat, humidity and storms could make the late-afternoon and evening commute messy.
Weekend Heat Keeps Building
Saturday will look much like Friday, with mostly sunny skies, a high near 92 and a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Sunday should be mostly sunny and hotter at 93, followed by a sunny Monday near 94 and a mostly sunny Tuesday near 95 with another chance of afternoon storms.
Overnight lows will stay in the mid-70s through Tuesday, so Baltimore will get little real relief after sunset. Patchy morning fog is also possible through early next week, especially where the humid air settles in.
Heat Safety Still Matters
Baltimore's Code Red Extreme Heat season is underway, and city officials say a formal declaration is triggered when the forecast heat index reaches 105 degrees. Friday's projected heat index is lower than that threshold, but residents should still drink water, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day and check on older neighbors, young children and anyone working outside.
The city says cooling centers and other resources are activated during Code Red declarations; residents can check the latest guidance through the Baltimore City Health Department or by calling 311. Friday's best outdoor window is the morning and early afternoon, before the heat and storm chances both start climbing.
