A severe thunderstorm watch is now in effect for much of central and northeastern Maryland, where storms could bring damaging winds, large hail, flooding and isolated tornadoes.
The watch, which is in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday, covers Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's and Washington counties, along with Baltimore City, according to the National Weather Service.
Storms are expected to be most active between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., with the Baltimore region most likely to see them between about 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Not every community will get a storm, forecasters said.
Damaging winds are the primary threat. The strongest storms could also produce hail, while an isolated tornado or two is possible, especially in northeastern Maryland.
Repeated downpours could also cause flash flooding in urban areas, low-lying locations and places with poor drainage, forecasters said.
The region is at a Level 2 of 5 risk for severe weather, meaning scattered strong-to-severe storms are possible. A watch means conditions are favorable for severe storms, and residents should be ready to seek shelter if a warning is issued.
Additional thunderstorms are possible Friday, with the greatest severe-weather risk shifting toward Southern Maryland. Forecasters are calling for a dry but warm and muggy weekend, followed by hotter weather next week.
Thursday Afternoon: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Some of the storms could be severe. Patchy fog before 3am, then patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. North wind around 6 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 88.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
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