Near record warmth in Maryland before stormy weather returns Wednesday
A stretch of spring-like weather will continue in Maryland through Wednesday afternoon, ahead of a chance of storms and much chillier weather. Wednesday is a Possible First Alert Weather Day, due to the risk of a few severe afternoon and evening storms.
Warm, spring-like weather in Baltimore
The nicest and most comfortable weather since last fall will be around through the middle of this week.
Temperatures are peaking in the low to mid-70s this afternoon, with abundant sunshine and low humidity. Temperatures will cool back into the 50s through mid-evening. Areas of dense fog will develop overnight; especially east of I-95 near the bay and across the eastern shore.
Tuesday begins with areas of fog and temperatures in the 40s. Fog lifts by 9 a.m. and a partly cloudy day is in the forecast. A quick and spotty shower or two cannot be ruled out, primarily in western Maryland. Temperatures warm even further on Tuesday. Plan on afternoon temperatures peaking in the mid to upper 70s in many areas. However, it'll remain cooler close to the bay, right on the water.
Another warm afternoon is expected ahead of a cold front on Wednesday. Temperatures will once again reach the upper 70s to near 80° if clouds hold off long enough. It'll be breezier, as well. This will be the last unseasonably warm day for a while.
The record high for BWI Marshall Tuesday is 80° set back in 2016. The record high at BWI Marshall for Wednesday is 79° set back in 2021. We may come close to tying the record high temperature either or both days if southerly winds don't overpower the warmth. Right now, a southerly wind may keep our high temperatures just shy of the records both days.
Showers, gusty storms in Maryland Wednesday
A powerful cold front will move through Maryland Wednesday. The front will be accompanied by a line of rain and thunderstorms.
A few storms could be strong to severe on Wednesday, especially across western Maryland. Locally, a few storms could produce 40 to 6 MPH wind gusts and small hail as they move through on Wednesday evening. An Alert Day may be needed Wednesday, if the risk of severe storms or impactful weather increases.
The chance of storms will increase by early afternoon and peak between 5 and 9 p.m.
Temperatures will drop 25° to 30° degrees Wednesday night as colder air blows in.
Chilly weather returns to Maryland through Saturday
Temperatures will drop through Thursday morning and settle in the 40s, with showers and breezy winds Thursday afternoon. A few sleet pellets or snowflakes could mix in with the light rain on Thursday.
Friday will be dry, breezy and chilly. Temperatures peak in the low to mid-50s on Friday afternoon. Plan on similar weather for Saturday plans, followed by slightly warmer weather on Sunday ahead of another strong front.
Much colder, wintry weather possible St. Patrick's Day
Much colder temperatures will return early next week. There are some hints in the weather pattern that could allow a storm to develop around St. Patrick's Day. While not all models agree on the track and strength of this storm, if it does materialize, some wintry weather is possible.
Stay with the First Alert Weather Team this week for updates on this weather pattern that will bring us some major temperatures swings.