Baltimore, Md. – The air already feels heavy across Baltimore late this morning, and hazy skies are masking a much more dangerous weather setup that will unfold later today. Oppressive heat, lingering wildfire smoke and powerful thunderstorms could combine to create one of the most active weather days of the week across central Maryland.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, a Heat Advisory remains in effect from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. for Baltimore and much of central Maryland. Afternoon temperatures will climb into the mid-90s, while humidity pushes the heat index to around 105 degrees. Heat-related illness becomes more likely for anyone spending extended time outdoors without frequent hydration or cooling breaks.
Air quality remains another concern. The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert as lingering wildfire smoke continues to affect the Baltimore metropolitan area. Sensitive groups, including children, older adults and people with asthma or heart disease, should limit prolonged outdoor activity until conditions improve later today.
The weather becomes increasingly volatile during the afternoon and evening. According to the National Weather Service, scattered thunderstorms are expected to intensify, and some storms could become severe. Damaging wind gusts approaching 70 mph, large hail, very heavy rainfall, and an isolated tornado are all possible. Localized flash flooding may develop where storms repeatedly move over the same communities.
Motorists traveling along Interstate 95, Interstate 83, Interstate 695 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway should prepare for rapidly changing visibility, water-covered roads and strong wind gusts. Allow extra travel time, secure loose outdoor items and move indoors immediately if thunder is heard.
Weather improves Sunday with sunny skies and a high near 88 degrees. Monday remains warm and dry before another round of showers and thunderstorms develops Tuesday, bringing another chance for travel disruptions across the region.
The Climate Prediction Center continues to favor above-normal temperatures across the Mid-Atlantic during the 6-to-10-day outlook, suggesting summer heat will continue despite periodic storm systems.
Keep weather alerts enabled through this evening, as Severe Thunderstorm or Flash Flood Warnings could be issued with little notice. Are skies still hazy where you are, or are storm clouds already beginning to build?
Five-Day Forecast for Baltimore, Maryland
- Sunday: Sunny with a high near 88°F.
- Monday: Sunny with a high near 87°F.
- Tuesday: Slight chance of storms early, then showers likely and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High near 91°F. 70% chance of rain.
- Wednesday: Chance of showers and afternoon thunderstorms. High near 88°F. 30% chance of rain.
- Thursday: Sunny with a high near 83°F, with above-normal temperatures favored across the Mid-Atlantic into late next week.
