Severe Thunderstorms Expected as Temperatures Soar in Baltimore
BALTIMORE, Maryland — Residents across the Baltimore region should prepare for a significant rise in temperatures on Thursday, reaching up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but they may also face severe thunderstorms as evening approaches.
This warm surge is linked to a warm front that is making its way into the Mid-Atlantic region, according to the National Weather Service. This development is expected to enhance severe weather conditions with a heightened risk of storms following the day’s warm weather.
As of now, temperatures are 54 degrees in Towson with a southeast wind of 7 mph, gusting to 19 mph. Temperatures are predicted to climb steadily through the night. Notably, downtown Baltimore is near 60 degrees, signifying a stark contrast to the cooler upper 40s recorded at places like Camp David and Manchester.
The region will enjoy a mostly clear evening for outdoor activities, including the Orioles‘ baseball game, which starts shortly after 6:30 p.m. However, meteorologists are closely monitoring storm developments in parts of Pennsylvania, fearing that storms could begin to affect Baltimore later in the night.
The severe weather risk is not limited to Maryland. A Level 5 risk for severe storms has been issued across parts of the Mid-South, including western Kentucky and northern Louisiana. These areas have already reported tornado touchdowns, leading to fatalities and significant property damage, particularly in Tennessee.
“This isn’t routine. This is a rare, high-impact, and potentially devastating event,” a representative from the National Weather Service stated, emphasizing the potential for generational flooding as precipitation accumulates.
Storm Prediction Center officials warn that the storms could turn violent, especially across northeastern Arkansas and northwest Tennessee, citing that tornadoes could form rapidly. While the primary storm risks for Maryland include high winds and flash flooding, Baltimore is currently categorized under a Level 2 risk for this evening’s thunderstorms.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, Friday, temperatures are forecasted to peak around 80 degrees with a 30% chance of isolated storms during the day. However, a cold front will enter the western Maryland region in the evening, which may exacerbate storm activity, turning isolated storms into a more turbulent weather pattern.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant, especially during late afternoon and evening hours when the risk for severe storms will heighten. East of Baltimore, another round of storms is anticipated Friday night, keeping residents on alert for potential disruptions.
While this warm weather is expected to usher in temporary conditions, Friday could bring cooler, cloudy skies with lingering rain. Saturday’s forecast suggests highs of around 61 degrees with the potential for additional showers, followed by a gradual uptick in temperature moving into the following week.
