The National Weather Service, Baltimore, MD/Washington, DC, has indicated a roller coaster of weather changes for Baltimore and the surrounding regions. In a recent discussion, weather experts forecasted a strong area of low pressure to slowly move through the area today before heading offshore at week's end. This will be followed closely by a weak area of high pressure that could bring some calm over the weekend. However, Baltimore residents should brace for another storm system early next week, potentially bringing more unsettled weather conditions.

According to the National Weather Service , showers are expected primarily in the northern part of the region through dawn. In contrast, regions further south may see a drying trend after an occluded front sweeps through. The weather forecast, however, presents a mixed bag with a chance for a few showers and even a thunderstorm later this afternoon. The concerns for severe weather are low, with the combination of shear and CAPE appearing a bit marginal for anything severe. Still, the report cautions that a stronger storm or two can't be ruled out should conditions permit more warming.

Notably cooler temperatures are also on the menu, with a stark temperature gradient predicted across the geography, from the mid- to upper 40s in the Alleghenies to near 70 in central VA and southern MD. Tonight's conditions are expected to dip into the 40s to near 50 for most, though the Alleghenies might see temperatures falling into the 30s. Gusty winds are expected to prevent any frost formation.

The short-term forecast includes possible graupel or isolated late-season snow over the highest elevations. At the same time, most of the area can anticipate drier conditions by Saturday as high pressure moves in. As indicated by the forecast discussion, things will turn unsettled again by Sunday evening, with rain chances increasing from the southwest. The extended outlook seems to echo this week's weather narrative, with a system reminiscent of the current one potentially affecting the area by Monday or Tuesday. The report detailed that rain showers will become likely at some point Monday into Tuesday, perhaps continuing into Wednesday, and mentioned temperatures remaining near or below normal through the middle of next week.

Mariners in the region should also take heed, as Small Craft Advisories have been issued for parts of the Potomac and southern Chesapeake due to the low-pressure system expected to intensify off the coast today. The advisories serve to caution of potentially hazardous conditions that could see winds ramp up, influencing local waterways and contributing to tidal movements and potential coastal flooding. The worst of this coastal flood event has already occurred due to high and low pressure convergence. However, remaining anomalies could warrant attention until the weather systems fully subside.