Near-record heat gives way to stormy weather across Maryland mid-week
Unusually hot weather will continue through Wednesday in Maryland, ahead of a big weather pattern change. Much cooler and rainier weather will stick around through the holiday weekend; our greatest chance of drought relief in months.
The WJZ First Alert Weather Team has declared Wednesday as a First Alert Weather Day due to scattered strong to severe storms, primarily from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. Any storm could contain strong gusty winds, downpours and lightning. These storms have the potential to impact parts of the evening commute along with any evening activities.
First Alert Weather Day: Storms impact Baltimore on Wednesday
Wednesday will be a tough weather day as we have a one-two punch of intense heat and then strong to severe storms.
The record high of 95 degrees could be be tied Wednesday afternoon before storms develop. This record was set back in 1962.
The WJZ First Alert Weather Team has issued a WJZ First Alert Weather Day for scattered strong to severe storms during the afternoon and evening hours. The strongest storms could produce damaging winds along with blinding downpours. Keep a closer eye on the forecast and have, at least, one way to get severe weather alerts.
The greatest risk for severe storms is from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. Though, a couple storms are possible earlier and showers will linger into the overnight after storms have weakened.
Wet and cool Memorial Day Weekend across Maryland
We'll be locked into a cooler and gloomier forecast late this week.
Periods of rain are likely Thursday and parts of Friday. While not raining the entire time, wet weather will be around for a number of hours both days. Combine the rain with a stiff east to northeast wind, temperatures will stay mainly in the 50s.
This setup does have the advantage of bringing some beneficial rain to the area. Rain will impact some outdoor plans. As we get closer the holiday weekend, we will be able to better pinpoint the exact timing of the wet weather. There is the potential for at least 1 to 3 inches of rain before the wet weather lets up. This would be very beneficial, considering current severe drought conditions.
Rain will become more showery Sunday into Memorial Day. This means there will likely be some dry pockets mixed in with the shower chances and the temperatures won't be quite as chilly as they try to rebound into the upper 60s to lower to middle 70s.
Stay with the WJZ First Alert Weather Team for updated timing for the stronger storms on Wednesday afternoon and the specific windows of rain and dreary weather for the upcoming holiday weekend.