Record warmth in Maryland Tuesday, followed by severe storm risk
Baltimore set a new daily high temperature record this afternoon. The old record was 80° , most recently set in 2016. The unofficial high temperature at BWI was 85° today.
Temperatures are cooling through the 60s and into the 50s through early Wednesday morning. Areas of fog are possible before 10 a.m.
Baltimore could see record high temperatures again Wednesday afternoon, ahead of storms. The WJZ First Alert Weather Team has upgraded Wednesday to a First Alert Weather Day for the potential of afternoon and evening severe thunderstorms.
Scattered severe storms in Maryland on Wednesday
A few showers are possible Wednesday morning. Rumbles of thunder cannot be ruled out in western Maryland. However, a greater chance of stormy weather arrives later in the day.
The ingredients are there for storms to become severe if they can manage to develop, especially along and west of I-95 Wednesday afternoon into early Wednesday evening. However, storms may struggle to pop-up across Maryland. Any storm that does manage to develop will have the potential to produce damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph and hail. There is also a low risk for an isolated tornado in Maryland.
The greatest tornado risk will occur across western Maryland and the West Virginia Panhandle during the afternoon.
The chance of storms will peak between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Temperatures will drop 25° to 30° degrees by sunrise on Thursday morning as colder air arrives behind the strong cold front.
Snow may mix with chilly rain on Thursday in Baltimore
Temperatures will settle into the low and mid-40s by the middle of Thursday afternoon. Showers and breezy winds will also impact Maryland. Light snow and sleet may mix in with the chilly rain. No accumulation significant accumulation is expected.
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 temperatures on Sunday ahead of another strong front.
Wintry weather possible on St. Patrick's Day
After steady rain and gusty winds on Monday, expect temperatures to plummet late Monday into Monday night. Temperatures will drop from the mid-50s Monday afternoon to the 20s by Tuesday morning. Once it turns cold, it will stay cold through the middle of next week.
There are some hints that along with the switch to colder weather, there could be some light snow. Right now, impacts to plans look minimal early next week. Stay with the First Alert Weather Team this week for updates all the wild swings coming up in the forecast.