Today was raw with winds gusting up to 30 mph and temperatures struggling to reach 40. These winds will subside and temperatures will slowly rise as we head into the weekend. Any outdoor activities or fireworks for New Year’s Eve will be accompanied by comfortable weather for this time of year. The following week will feature a roller coaster ride in temperatures, starting out warm and wet, while ending cold (and white?).
Through Tonight:
Mostly clear and cold as westerly winds continue to bring in dry arctic air. Low temperatures will dip into the upper 20s across the region. Winds will keep temperatures from dropping any lower, but will still make it feel colder. They will be around 10-15 mph with gusts still as high as 30 mph.
Tomorrow (Saturday):
The last day of 2016 will be cool and mostly sunny. High pressure will build to the south as high temperatures make it into the mid 40s. Winds will be out of the southwest at 10-15 mph. Clouds will roll in at night (with a stray shower possible) and keep temperatures in the mid 30s for any New Year’s Eve activities.
TerpWRF showing dry conditions across central Maryland New Year’s Eve (Via TROWAL)
Sunday:
New Year’s Day will feature slightly warmer conditions as a low pressure system approaches from the south. Skies will be partly sunny to start and turn cloudy as the day goes on. Temperatures will rise into the upper 40s and possible reach the 50 degree mark. Showers are possible late Sunday night, but amounts are expected to be light as temperatures only drop into the low 40s.
Extended Outlook:
The first week of 2017 will be a roller coaster ride in weather. The first half of the week will have mild temperatures and rain as the East coast will be on the warm side of a Low pressure system. Following a cold front during the middle of the week, confidence is high that temperatures will drop substantially towards the end of the week. This may set the stage for our first major winter storm. As this is still a week away it is only speculation at this point, but it does need to be watched.
NOAA 6-10 day temperature outlook shows below average temperature across the country, except lucky Florida (Via NOAA)