Maryland Weather: Hot this afternoon; Stormy Thursday

BALTIMORE – Cloud cover from last night’s storm system is clearing and skies are expected to turn sunny across the region this afternoon, with high temperatures in many areas hovering around 90°, just shy of record highs.

By tonight, clouds will gather from the west as a cold front approaches from the Ohio Valley, increasing the chance of rain from west to east beginning at midnight and continuing through Thursday morning.

Rain and isolated storms are expected on Thursday, with a break in the middle of the day. More storms will develop through the afternoon, with a few strong storms possible.

Currently, the greatest chance for severe storms south of Baltimore appears to be in far southern Maryland and the Lower Eastern Shore. A few strong storms are possible, especially east of I-95, but given the track of low pressure running south of I-70 to Rt 50, any storms that do occur will produce primarily hail and gusty winds. Locally heavy rainfall is also possible.

Showers and possibly some thunderstorms will continue into early Friday, with showers continuing throughout the day as the storm system moves north. It will be cooler, with highs in the mid to upper 60s in most locations. Friday afternoon, northwest winds will be 20 to 25 mph, with higher gusts.

Over the weekend leading up to Mother’s Day, the weather will start out sunny on Saturday due to clear conditions following the previous system. However, clouds and showers will increase into the afternoon as the next weather system moves in. This pattern will continue through Sunday, with temperatures reaching the upper 60s and lower 70s.

The weather will dry out and warmer early next week, with highs in the lower to upper 70s through Tuesday.