Strong Storms Possible, 40 MPH Winds To Slam MD: Latest Forecast

MARYLAND — A strong storm system moving east across the country will arrive in Maryland on Wednesday, bringing with it 40 mph winds, showers, isolated severe thunderstorms and possibly a tornado, according to the latest forecast.

Marylanders can expect a quiet and mild Tuesday before a strong frontal system moves into the region later tonight, the National Weather Service said in its latest forecast discussion.

According to forecasters, dry conditions should continue for most of Tuesday night into Wednesday morning with showers entering areas west of the Blue Ridge before daybreak. Periodic lines of showers and thunderstorms are expected to reach the Baltimore area by late morning to early afternoon.

"Some afternoon storms could be strong to severe with downpours and a few damaging wind gusts," the Capital Weather Gang said in its Tuesday forecast. "It’s a windy day regardless, with gusts from the southeast around 30 to 40 mph."

A second round of showers will move in during the late afternoon to evening hours Wednesday, accompanied by a chance of thunderstorms. According to NWS forecasters, the storms could also bring hail and possible tornadoes.

Gale warnings will be in effect for all the waters on Wednesday.

Forecasters also warned Marylanders of elevated fire conditions on Tuesday due to low humidity and gusty winds.

"Relative humidity values will drop to 20 to 30 percent, with south to southeast winds of 10 to 15 mph, gusting to 20 to 25 mph," NWS forecasters said. "Please refer to your local burn permitting authorities on whether you may burn outdoors today. If you do burn, use extreme caution since fires can increasingly escalate under these conditions."

Here's a look at the detailed NWS forecast for the Baltimore region:

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 62. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tuesday Night: A slight chance of showers after 4am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 49. Southeast wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 4pm. High near 62. Breezy, with a south wind 14 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 46. South wind 8 to 16 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 53. Windy, with a northwest wind 11 to 16 mph increasing to 24 to 29 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 46 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Breezy.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.