MARYLAND — As the old saying goes, if you're not happy with the weather in Maryland, wait a few minutes. This week, unfortunately, respite isn't coming until Thursday.
Marylanders join more than 80 million people across the East Coast experiencing a summerlike heat wave. Tuesday marks the second day of record-breaking temperatures forecasted to climb into the mid-90s.
AccuWeather reports the Tuesday peak could see feels-like temperatures exceed 100 degrees in some parts of the region.
On Monday, BWI Marshal Airport recorded a sizzling 95 degrees, the day's highest reading.
Forecasters say conditions will be very warm and humid, a classic Maryland one-two punch.
Parts of the state are already under a , as air pollution conditions may be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Alerts were issued for parts of Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Harford, Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne's counties.
The humid heat sticks around Wednesday, but the focus shifts to the potential severe thunderstorm conditions rolling into town by the afternoon.
Although the rains could help alleviate drought conditions, officials are warning that storms could bring hail, downpours, and damaging wind gusts of up to 65 mph.
By Thursday, there's another drastic change: temperatures will plummet as much as 30 degrees.
“Do not expect this heat wave to stick around for the holiday weekend. The spring temperature rollercoaster ride continues with another steep drop before the end of the week. Places with high temperatures in the 90s may struggle to reach the 60s by Friday and Saturday," AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said.
He added, “This intense heat is worsening the expanding drought across the mid-Atlantic. Air conditioners are getting a workout across the region now, but many may need to turn their furnaces back on in just a few days.”
Varying degrees of stormy weather from Texas to New England are anticipated for Memorial Day weekend.
Residents and travelers who find themselves located anywhere from central and northeastern Texas to West Virginia are urged to prepare for weather delays. The region is forecast to see heavy rains and lightning conditions.
Some places in Texas are expected to see up to 4 inches of rainfall, with some areas projected to report more than 6 inches.
"Multiple rounds of heavy downpours may trigger flash flooding in some communities despite providing localized drought relief," AccuWeather reports.
In Maryland, the unofficial start of the summer will kick off a bit rainy and muddy for those attempting to brave the outdoors.
"The weather will be a big disappointment for beachgoers from Virginia to New England," AccuWeather Meteorologist Elizabeth Danco said.
"Temperatures will feel 30 to 50 degrees cooler in some spots this weekend, following this week’s intense spring heat wave. Beach time over the holiday weekend may be limited to brief windows between storms and downpours."
"There is a silver lining to a soggy holiday weekend forecast. The rain will chip away at the drought," she added.
Related: Baltimore Area Restrictions Urged As Drought Persists
While no statewide water restrictions have been issued, large parts of the Old Line State do remain under a drought warning.
The Maryland Department of the Environment has urged residents to conserve water where possible. In fact, a few counties — Baltimore, Harford, Howard, and Carroll — issued voluntary water restrictions due to low water levels in the three reservoirs that supply drinking water to 1.8 million people across the region.
Here's a look at the detailed forecast for the Baltimore region:
Tuesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. West wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 6 mph.
Wednesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly after 2pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 96. West wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 58. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday: Showers likely, mainly between 8am and 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. North wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Friday: Showers. High near 64. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: Showers. Low around 52. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Saturday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 70. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: Showers likely, mainly before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
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