Mixed Skies Forecasted For Baltimore County
BALTIMORE, United States (WHN) – Conditions are about to change. Baltimore County residents should prepare for an active weather afternoon as a cold front slices through the region, bringing a notable chance for showers and thunderstorms that will directly impact the evening commute.
The morning will start with a mix of sun and clouds. Humidity, however, is expected to build throughout the day, creating an unstable atmosphere. The primary window for storm development, according to the National Weather Service’s latest bulletin, is between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. It’s during this period that the most significant impacts will be felt across areas from Towson to the northern parts of the county.
Timing and Key Impacts
The forecast isn’t a washout for everyone. The storms will be scattered, meaning some neighborhoods might see a heavy downpour while others just a few miles away remain dry. Residents need to be ready for rapidly changing conditions. The National Weather Service describes the setup as one where storms could “fire up quickly with little warning.”
- Afternoon (1 p.m. – 4 p.m.): You’ll notice clouds thickening and winds beginning to pick up. Temperatures will hold in the low 80s before the front arrives.
- Evening Commute (4 p.m. – 7 p.m.): This is the period of highest concern. Thunderstorms are most likely, bringing sudden downpours, gusty winds, and reduced visibility on major routes like I-695 and I-83.
- Late Evening (After 8 p.m.): The storm threat will diminish as the front pushes east. Skies will begin to clear, and a noticeable drop in temperature and humidity will follow.
Safety and Travel Concerns
The main threats aren’t widespread severe weather. Instead, the focus is on localized hazards that can disrupt travel and outdoor plans. The Maryland Department of Transportation advises motorists to prepare for ponding on roadways, especially in known low-lying areas. Rainfall rates within the strongest storms could briefly exceed one inch per hour, a rate that can quickly overwhelm storm drains.
Wind is another factor. Gusts within and near any thunderstorm could reach 40 to 45 mph. These gusts are strong enough to knock down tree limbs and toss unsecured outdoor items like patio umbrellas and garbage cans. Residents should prepare by securing any loose objects before the storms develop. Lightning will be a danger with any storm that forms; if you can hear thunder, it’s time to head indoors.
Cooler, Drier Air Arrives
Behind this system, the weather improves significantly. The air mass moving in is much cooler and drier, offering a break from the recent humidity. Wednesday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with high temperatures struggling to get out of the low 70s. The pleasant conditions, a direct result of the frontal passage, are expected to stick around through Thursday.
Overnight lows tonight will drop into the upper 50s, a stark contrast to the muggy nights Baltimore County has experienced recently. Winds will remain slightly elevated from the northwest into Wednesday morning before calming down in the afternoon.
