A powerful storm system moving across Maryland could bring heavy rain, strong winds, and dramatic temperature swings this week, according to forecasters. Residents across the state may see conditions shift rapidly from spring-like warmth to colder air as the system moves through.
On Wednesday, the Baltimore area is bracing for thunderstorms that may bring damaging winds, large hail, and even the possibility of tornadoes to various parts of Maryland, according to the latest weather predictions.
As the storm approaches, temperatures are expected to soar well above average, reaching the mid-70s and potentially nearing 80 degrees by Wednesday afternoon, as reported by the National Weather Service.
This warm spell precedes a strong cold front that is set to dramatically alter the weather conditions, forecasters indicate.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to develop on Wednesday afternoon and evening as the cold front advances through the state.
In a recent update, the NWS Storm Prediction Center has broadened the “Slight Risk” category (level 2 out of 5) to encompass most of Maryland. They also noted an increased risk of tornadoes just west of the D.C. area, extending into the Potomac Highlands and Western Maryland.
Forecasts suggest that the storm’s primary effects will include heavy rainfall, damaging winds gusting between 30 and 40 mph, and large hail; however, the extent of these impacts remains uncertain, according to The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang.
“Some models indicate significant storms passing through during the late afternoon and early evening, while others suggest they may be more sporadic and concentrated to the north and west,” the Capital Weather Gang noted.
Showers are anticipated to persist into Thursday morning as the storm system continues its path through the state. Following this, a series of cold fronts will sweep across the region, leading to fluctuating temperatures into early next week.
Temperatures are expected to drop by 15 to 30 degrees on Thursday, before warming up again over the weekend. The Baltimore area should experience highs in the mid- to upper 50s on Saturday, followed by temperatures in the 50s to low 60s on Sunday.
As we head into early next week, temperatures are set to fall once more, bringing back more winter-like conditions.
“Next week is likely to see another cool to cold snap by Tuesday and Wednesday, with a chance of some wet snowflakes on Tuesday morning,” the Capital Weather Gang added.
Here’s a detailed look at the National Weather Service forecast for the Baltimore area:
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear skies with a low around 54. Light winds from the south.
Wednesday: Rain is possible after 3 PM. Partly sunny with a high near 79. Light south winds will increase to 6 to 11 mph in the morning, with gusts potentially reaching 18 mph. The chance of precipitation is 50%.
Wednesday Morning: A chance of rain before 11 PM, followed by a chance of rain and thunderstorms between 11 PM and 2 AM, with rain likely after 2 AM. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. South winds at 8 to 11 mph, gusting up to 22 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts may be less than a tenth of an inch, though higher amounts are possible during thunderstorms.
Thursday: Rain is likely, mainly before 2 PM. Mostly cloudy with a high near 54. Northwest winds around 16 mph, gusting as high as 29 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 53.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63.
