Maryland – Sunshine and seasonably comfortable temperatures are providing a welcome break this Monday, but a much more active weather pattern is expected to arrive by Tuesday afternoon. Residents across the Washington-Baltimore region should prepare for rapidly changing conditions as strong thunderstorms develop ahead of an approaching cold front.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, dry weather and below-normal temperatures will continue through today, although a few showers and thunderstorms may begin lifting northward tonight. The greatest concern arrives Tuesday afternoon and evening, when strong to severe thunderstorms are likely, especially across the Interstate 95 corridor and communities east of the Blue Ridge.
The primary threat will be damaging straight-line wind gusts, though torrential rainfall, frequent lightning, isolated hail, and localized flooding are also possible with the strongest storms. Cities including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Frederick, Hagerstown, Annapolis, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and Winchester should closely monitor forecast updates through Tuesday.
Travel on Interstates 95, 495, 66, 70, and 270 could become hazardous as heavy rain reduces visibility and strong wind gusts create dangerous driving conditions during the afternoon and evening commute. Secure loose outdoor items today and make sure emergency alerts are enabled before storms develop.
Some showers and thunderstorms may linger into Wednesday, mainly east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, before conditions gradually improve later in the day.
Five-Day Forecast for Washington, D.C.
- Monday: Dry with a mix of sun and clouds. High in the mid-80s.
- Tuesday: Warm and humid. Severe thunderstorms likely during the afternoon and evening. High in the upper 80s.
- Wednesday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially east of the Blue Ridge. High in the low 80s.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny and seasonably warm. High in the mid-80s.
- Friday: Warm with sunshine and a slight chance of an afternoon shower. High in the mid-80s.
