Near-Record Heat Wave, Possible Storms In MD Forecast

MARYLAND — Enjoy one last comfortable day, Marylanders. Summer is about to kick into high gear, bringing near-record heat and possible storms to the Baltimore area.

Marylanders can expect another day of low humidity and below-normal temperatures on Wednesday before the mercury surges later this week, according to the National Weather Service's latest forecast.

Temperatures are predicted to reach the low to mid-90s on Thursday and Friday, the NWS said. Heat index values will hover around 100 degrees before a slight cooldown is expected on Saturday.

By Friday morning, a cold front tracking across the Lower Great Lakes and Ohio Valley will set the stage for a possible round of showers and thunderstorms. NWS forecasters said the greatest likelihood of storms will be Friday afternoon into the evening.

"Damaging winds would be the primary threat for any more potent storm or along an eastward propagating squall line," NWS forecasters said. "This activity should all exit into the Eastern Shore by late Friday night."

The Capital Weather Gang's latest forecast calls for similar weather with Friday likely being "the hottest day of the year so far."

"It’s humid, too, but perhaps not as bad as feared with dew points in the 60s, which may keep heat index values below 100," the Capital Weather Gang said. "Storms are a decent bet and favor developing during the afternoon. A couple may turn severe, with locally damaging winds and hail."

Here's a look at the latest detailed NWS forecast through the weekend:

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. West wind around 6 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers after 2 pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind 7 to 10 mph.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 pm, then a chance of showers between 11 pm and 2 am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 87.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68.

Father's Day: Sunny, with a high near 89.