Baltimore, MD – Travelers heading along I-95, I-83, and the Baltimore Beltway on Friday evening may face wet roads, gusty winds, and heavier traffic as a weather system sweeps through the region. After a mild and breezy midweek, forecasters say the area will transition into a cooler, wetter pattern marking the first true taste of November air.
The Weather Setup: Calm Midweek Before the Change
Early Wednesday brought calm waters and a crisp 46°F morning along the Inner Harbor, but forecasters warn the tranquility will be short-lived. According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, clouds are moving in from the west while a strengthening southwest breeze develops.
Daytime highs are expected to reach around 70°F, but wind gusts up to 25 mph may make outdoor activities breezy and unsettled. Thursday will provide a brief window of sunshine before the next storm system arrives from the Ohio Valley, bringing rain and stronger winds into the region by Friday evening.
“Thursday will be bright, breezy, and cooler — the calm before Friday’s system moves in,” forecasters said.
Friday Forecast: Rain and Wind Target the Evening Commute
Friday begins partly sunny and mild, with highs in the low 60s, but conditions are expected to deteriorate by the late afternoon. Meteorologists warn that showers and isolated downpours could develop after 5 p.m., coinciding with the evening rush hour along major travel corridors.
Drivers should anticipate reduced visibility, slippery roads, and possible slowdowns on key routes including I-95, I-83, and I-695. Winds will continue to gust between 20–25 mph, making bridges and open stretches of highway more challenging for high-profile vehicles.
“Commuters should plan extra travel time and keep headlights on during heavier bursts of rain,” said local meteorologists.
By late Friday night, the rain will taper off as a cold front sweeps through, ushering in cooler, drier air for the weekend.
Weekend Outlook: Cooler and Brighter Days Ahead
Behind the front, Saturday and Sunday will bring mostly sunny skies and refreshing air, with highs hovering near 60°F and nighttime lows dipping into the 40s. The cooler weather will make for comfortable outdoor activities such as hiking, sports, or early holiday decorating.
Saturday’s conditions are expected to be calm and pleasant, while Sunday may bring increasing clouds and a slight chance of rain as another weak system brushes the Mid-Atlantic.
The five-day pattern suggests a steady shift from the recent warmth toward a more typical November chill, giving Baltimore residents a reminder that winter’s approach is not far off.
Looking Ahead: Arctic Air May Arrive by Veterans Day
Long-range models hint at a sharper cold push arriving next week. Meteorologists are monitoring an Arctic air mass that could drop temperatures into the 30s by Veterans Day, signaling the region’s first significant cold snap of the season.
“This pattern looks like a firm seasonal transition — from fall’s golden warmth to early winter’s doorstep,” said the National Weather Service.
Five-Day Forecast for Baltimore, MD
- Wednesday: 70°/48° – Increasing clouds; gusts up to 25 mph.
- Thursday: 59°/42° – Sunny and breezy; cooler air returns.
- Friday: 63°/54° – Rain likely by evening; windy conditions.
- Saturday: 60°/51° – Mostly sunny and cooler; pleasant.
- Sunday: 58°/40° – Chance of showers; colder trend begins.
Conclusion
Baltimore commuters should prepare for a wet and windy end to the workweek, especially along I-95 and surrounding highways Friday evening. While the rain will be brief, it may cause significant travel delays before a dry, cooler weekend takes hold.
What are your travel plans for the weekend? Share your thoughts and local weather updates in the comments below.
