One more hot day across Maryland; then relief arrives for the weekend

The First Alert Weather Team has issued an Alert Day for Thursday as a strong cold front moves into the region, bringing the potential for severe thunderstorms and flash flooding across much of Maryland.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed most of the state under a Level 1 out of 5 risk for severe weather. Storms are expected to develop after 1 p.m. and move east toward the Chesapeake Bay by the evening commute, potentially causing travel disruptions. The strongest storms could bring damaging winds, frequent lightning, and heavy rainfall.

Rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible in the heaviest downpours. A flood watch is in effect from Thursday evening through Friday morning, with urban and low-lying areas most at risk for flash flooding.

Thursday Forecast Highlights:

Hot and humid, though not as extreme as earlier in the week

Heat index values near 100 degrees in some areas

Storms likely after 1 p.m., increasing in coverage and intensity through evening

Threats include damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning, and torrential rain

Flood watch in effect Thursday evening through Friday morning

Friday:

A cold front will move through the region by early Friday, bringing cooler conditions. Highs will reach only the 70s, with cloudy skies dominating much of the day. A lingering shower is possible in the early morning.

Weekend Outlook:

Conditions are expected to improve dramatically. Both Saturday and Sunday will feature sunny skies, low humidity, and highs near 80 degrees. Morning lows will dip to around 60 degrees.

Looking Ahead:

Pleasant weather continues into early next week, with sunshine and highs in the 80s through Tuesday. Humidity will return by midweek, bringing a chance of showers on Wednesday.