The long-awaited break from the humid heat is coming this afternoon, but only after the region is slammed with several rounds of severe thunderstorms.
Both Monday and Tuesday saw record-breaking temperatures in the high 90s, sweat-inducing conditions that prompted the opening of cooling centers and activation of air quality alerts in the state.
Temperatures for Wednesday are expected to get as high as 96 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Related: Cooling Centers Open As MD Sees Sizzling Temperatures
But that all changes by the afternoon when a cold front moves in and brings a line of storms. Temperatures could plummet by as much as 30 degrees across the state.
An NWS timeline anticipates thunderstorms moving into the area around 5 p.m. and continuing through the night.
Marylanders are urged to be cautious and should be prepared to move to a safe area as the storms arrive during the peak of the afternoon commute.
The scattered storms have the potential to produce damaging winds and large hail. A Tuesday forecast put Wednesday's wind gust speeds at a max of 65 mph.
Rainfall totals could be anywhere between a quarter to a half-inch on Wednesday, but are likely to increase as more rain is forecast through the Memorial Day weekend.
While AccuWeather says the rainfall could prompt localized flash flooding, the downpour is also likely to ease drought conditions.
Related: MD Slammed With Intense Heat, Humidity
The U.S. Drought Monitor shows the majority of the Old Line State is experiencing a severe drought.
The Maryland Department of the Environment previously urged residents to conserve water where possible, as some counties have issued their own voluntary water restrictions to residents.
Here's a look at the detailed forecast for the Baltimore region:
Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 95. West wind 6 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 thunderstorms likely before 5am, then a chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 58. North wind 3 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.
Thursday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 67. Northeast wind around 9 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Northeast wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Friday: Showers. High near 64. East wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: Showers. Low around 50. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday: Showers. High near 64. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Saturday Night: Showers likely, mainly before 2am. Cloudy, with a low around 54. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday: A chance of showers before 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday Night: A chance of showers after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Memorial Day: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Monday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tuesday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
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