Baltimore is preparing for a sharp drop in temperatures as high pressure builds from the Ohio River Valley into the Mid-Atlantic, ushering in drier conditions and brisk winds today. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Baltimore MD/Washington DC, temperatures will stay a few degrees lower than yesterday, ranging from the upper 50s to lower 60s, with even cooler readings expected across the mountains.
Tonight, skies will remain clear and dry, allowing temperatures to fall into the mid to upper 30s. By Friday, southerly winds will strengthen ahead of an approaching cold front, potentially prompting small craft advisories for those on the Chesapeake Bay and nearby waterways. The NWS recommends keeping an eye on updates as the front nears.
This weekend’s main event will be the arrival of the season’s coldest airmass early next week, marking a dramatic shift for the region. While forecast confidence remains limited regarding how much moisture the front will bring, there’s potential for light showers or isolated thunderstorms on Sunday. Rainfall amounts are expected to stay light overall.
Once the front passes, temperatures will plunge. Areas west of I-95 may dip below freezing by early Monday, with 20s likely in higher elevations. A widespread freeze Monday night into Tuesday morning could officially end the growing season across parts of Maryland. Some modest warming may follow by Wednesday, offering a short break from the cold.
For aviation, VFR conditions should continue through today, but sub-VFR visibility could develop Friday night into Saturday due to overnight rain. By Sunday, as the front sweeps through, brief restrictions are possible from showers or thunderstorms, according to the NWS aviation forecast.
On the fire weather front, risks have eased slightly. The alignment of low relative humidity and decreasing winds should reduce wildfire spread potential, though dry conditions could still challenge crews managing ongoing fires.
Overall, Baltimore residents should brace for a chilly start to next week, as the coldest air of the season settles over the region.
Leave a Reply