DELMARVA FORECAST
Thursday night: A few pop-up showers and thunderstorms possible. Any storms could feature damaging winds and hail. Fog possible late. Lows in the low to mid 60s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Friday: Partly cloudy and warm. Pop-up showers and thunderstorms, a few could be strong to severe. Highs in the mid 80s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Saturday: Partly cloudy and warm. Pop-up showers and thunderstorms, a few could be strong to severe. Highs in the mid to upper 80s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s.
Monday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid to upper 70s.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 70s.
Wednesday: Scattered showers. Highs in the low 70s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
FORECAST DISCUSSION
Normal high: 74°F. Normal low: 53°F.
We're starting to crank up the heat over Delmarva as we look ahead to the end of the week.
With lots of warm, humid air over the Mid-Atlantic, and a stationary frontal boundary over the region. there will be pop-up showers and thunderstorms Thursday evening. While severe storms are most likely west of the Chesapeake Bay, any storms that develop over Delmarva could feature gusty winds, downpours, and even some small hail; however not everyone will see rain Thursday evening.
Temperatures rise even more on Friday, with summer-like temperatures in the mid to upper 80s, and heat indices possibly near 90°F. A low pressure system over the Upper Midwest will kick a cold front toward Delmarva, which will trigger more pop-up showers and thunderstorms, most likely in the afternoon and evening. There is a better chance for severe storms Friday, with the entire peninsula under a Level 2 "Slight" threat for severe storms. Damaging winds, hail, and downpours are the main threats. There is a low threat for a tornado.
We face a similar situation on Saturday, with temperatures again in the mid to upper 80s with plenty of humidity as the aforementioned low pressure system kicks another cold front toward Delmarva. We are also under a Level 2 "Slight" threat for severe weather Saturday, with damaging winds, hail, and a tornado all possible.
The second half of the weekend is looking much nicer, with cooler afternoon highs in the upper 70s (still above normal!) and lots of sunshine.
High pressure remains in control for Monday and Tuesday with more seasonable and reasonable afternoon highs in the mid 70s.
Our next chance for stormy weather could arrive by Wednesday.
In the long range, temperatures are expected to average below normal, and precipitation above normal for May 22 - May 28.