Baltimore Storms Thursday Before Dry Weather Returns

Baltimore woke to muggy, mostly cloudy conditions Thursday, with temperatures in the mid-70s and a stormy day ahead. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to become widespread by afternoon, bringing a serious risk of heavy rain, damaging wind gusts and isolated flooding.

Scattered showers may develop late this morning before storms become more frequent after noon, according to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington. The most unsettled window is expected from roughly 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., when one or more rounds of storms could move through the city and the broader I-95 corridor.

Strongest Storms Could Arrive During The Afternoon

Thursday’s high is expected to reach about 85 degrees, although temperatures could fall into the upper 70s during the afternoon as rain becomes heavier. The strongest storms may produce wind gusts of 40 to 55 mph, with isolated gusts between 55 and 70 mph possible.

Forecasters are also watching for frequent lightning, pockets of hail and a conditional risk of a brief tornado, particularly east of the Blue Ridge and near the I-95 corridor. No land-based watches or warnings were listed Thursday morning, but conditions could change as storms develop.

Heavy Rain Raises Flash Flood Concern

Rainfall totals of roughly one-half to three-quarters of an inch are possible, with much higher amounts in the heaviest downpours. Urban and poor-drainage areas are especially vulnerable, and the National Weather Service identified northeast Maryland, including Baltimore, as a primary area of concern for flash flooding.

Residents should avoid driving through flooded roadways, head indoors at the first sound of thunder and secure loose outdoor items before the strongest storms arrive. A Small Craft Advisory is also in effect for Chesapeake Bay waters from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday because of stronger winds and the added danger from thunderstorms.

Brief Friday Break Before A Wet Weekend

Friday should bring a relative pause, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 82 degrees. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms returns late Friday afternoon, followed by a much wetter pattern Friday night and Saturday, when storms are likely and temperatures reach the low 80s.

Sunday looks mostly sunny at first, but afternoon showers and thunderstorms remain possible. The forecast turns noticeably quieter Monday and Tuesday, with sunny skies, highs near 82 to 83 degrees and lower humidity before another chance of showers and storms arrives Wednesday.