Baltimore residents can expect a brief respite of calm weather before a dynamic system brings thunderstorms and strong winds midweek, according to the National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC. High pressure will keep the skies clear through Tuesday, with temperatures climbing from today's highs in the 40s to near 50F, to Tuesday's more comfortable range of 50s to low 60s. However, the tranquility is not set to last beyond Tuesday night. The National Weather Service anticipates a sharp uptick in shower chances as a potent upper low and associated cold front push across the Midwest and into the Ohio Valley.

Gusty conditions will also become a concern, with Tuesday's southerly winds potentially hitting 20mph and mountain areas experiencing gusts up to 30-35mph. Come Tuesday night, these winds are forecast to strengthen, setting the stage for possible 40-45mph gusts, particularly in the mountainous regions. The weather shift continues with widespread showers expected Wednesday morning into the afternoon and the potential for severe thunderstorms to emerge as part of a narrow convective line east of the Blue Ridge. "This could pose a threat for strong to severe wind gusts given the strong winds aloft, and also possibly a QLCS tornado," the National Weather Service warned.

Ahead of the cold front, Wednesday temperatures are predicted to hit the 60s. The Storm Prediction Center has placed areas along and east of the Blue Ridge at a Slight Risk for severe storms. Regarding aviation impact, widespread showers and scattered thunderstorms will likely result in sub-VFR conditions on Wednesday. Storm threats are accompanied by strong southerly winds that could usher in gusts of 25-30 knots across the Baltimore region.

Looking ahead to the latter half of the week, low pressure will move northeast past the region, bringing a persistent wind concern. Thursday, gusts may be near or exceed Wind Advisory criteria, amid primarily dry conditions further east. By Friday, high pressure is predicted to usher in drier conditions, though a weakening low-pressure system could stir up a few light rain showers Friday night into Saturday. Tuesday will usher in Small Craft Advisory conditions for all the mariners out there, likely to evolve into gale-force winds ahead of Wednesday's front. An uptick in water levels might hit locations further north on the Bay, with minor flooding possible by midweek.