Near Record Warmth in Maryland Followed by Severe Storms

Powerful cold front to bring risk of damaging winds, hail, and isolated tornadoes on Wednesday

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Maryland is set to experience near-record high temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday, with highs approaching 80°F. However, a powerful cold front will move through the state on Wednesday, bringing the potential for severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, hail, and isolated tornadoes. The storms are expected to peak between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Wednesday, causing travel delays during the evening commute.

Why it matters

The combination of record-breaking warmth and the risk of severe storms could pose significant challenges for residents and businesses in Maryland. Extreme weather events like these can disrupt daily life, cause property damage, and even threaten public safety, making it crucial for the community to be prepared.

The details

On Tuesday, temperatures are expected to approach the record highs of 80°F set in 2016 and 2021. However, the warmth will be limited to areas away from the Chesapeake Bay, where highs will stay in the 60s due to the chilly winds off the water. The real threat comes on Wednesday, as a powerful cold front moves through the state, bringing clusters of showers and strong to severe thunderstorms. The storms have the potential to produce damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, hail, and even isolated tornadoes, especially along and west of Interstate 95. The greatest tornado risk is expected to be just west of the WJZ viewing area, but the region will still need to be on alert.

  • Tuesday afternoon temperatures are expected to approach the record highs of 80°F.
  • Wednesday is a First Alert Weather Day, with the risk of severe storms peaking between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
  • Temperatures will drop 25° to 30° degrees on Wednesday night as colder air arrives behind the cold front.
  • Thursday will see showers and breezy winds, with a chance of sleet or snow mixing in later in the day.
  • The cold weather pattern is expected to continue through the middle of next week, with a potential for wintry weather around St. Patrick's Day.

The players

WJZ First Alert Weather Team

The weather forecasting team at WJZ, the CBS affiliate in Baltimore, Maryland.

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What they’re saying

“We must be prepared for the potential of damaging winds, hail, and even isolated tornadoes on Wednesday.”

— WJZ First Alert Weather Team (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This weather pattern highlights the importance of staying informed and prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions, as the combination of record warmth and severe storms can pose significant risks to the community. Residents should monitor local forecasts and heed any warnings or advisories issued by the authorities.