Baltimore Weather Alert: Severe Thunderstorm Warning & Flood Watch Issued
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Baltimore residents are under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 2:30 PM, impacting Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, and Howard counties. Additionally, a Flood Watch remains in effect for much of Central Maryland, including the Baltimore area, until 8 PM. Maryland's Eastern Shore is also under a Flood Watch.
Severe Weather Threat Looms Over Baltimore
Following powerful overnight storms on Tuesday, Baltimore faces the possibility of more strong to severe thunderstorms on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and evenings. The WJZ First Alert Weather Team has declared Alert Days for both Wednesday and Thursday, citing a heightened risk of severe storms and heavy rainfall.
Meteorologist Tony Pann reports that the dew points have surged into the mid-70s, creating a humid, tropical air mass. This atmosphere is primed for thunderstorm development. Temperatures will reach the mid-80s, feeling even warmer due to the humidity.
Timing the Storms
The best chance for severe storms will be through approximately 8 PM on both days. Residents should anticipate damaging winds, torrential downpours, and intense lightning. Some areas may experience localized flash flooding, especially those that received heavy rainfall overnight into Wednesday morning. An additional 1 to 3 inches of rain are possible in some locations.
- Wednesday: Storms developing off to the west, tracking eastward. Best chance for showers and thunderstorms between 3 and 5 PM.
- Thursday: Potential for damaging winds, which may snap tree limbs, knock down trees, and cause power outages.
The storm should move off quickly, though. I think by 6 or 7:00 the weather will settle down and it should be quiet for the rest of tonight.
Summer-Like Heat and Humidity Intensifies
Maryland is experiencing a surge in heat and humidity. High temperatures today will reach the upper 80s to near 90°F. Factoring in the high humidity, heat index values will reach between 95° and 100°F today and may reach the lower 100s by Thursday afternoon.
While Friday will offer a brief respite from the extreme heat and humidity, with highs in the upper 80s and a noticeable drop in mugginess, residents are advised to stay weather aware and download the CBS News App for severe weather watches and warnings.