Baltimore wakes up to a gorgeous, mostly sunny Friday with a high near 72°F — great day to be outside, but hold onto your cap near the Inner Harbor this morning. Northwest winds are running 8 to 12 mph with gusts up to 21 mph through midday before tapering off, according to the National Weather Service. Once the breeze settles by late afternoon, it’s a near-perfect May evening across Charm City. Check the full Baltimore weather forecast for updates throughout the day.
Today’s Setup
An upper-level low is pushing offshore today as high pressure builds in from the Ohio River Valley — that pattern keeps breezy conditions for the first half of the day but delivers plenty of sunshine. The NWS notes gusts could reach 20 to 25 mph through midday before gradually diminishing into the evening. Tonight turns calm and quiet, with a low around 54°F under partly cloudy skies.
Allergy sufferers: gusty northwest winds are prime pollen transport weather. Stock up on Zyrtec 24 hour allergy 90 count before heading to Patterson Park, Fort McHenry, or the track.
Preakness Weekend Weather
It is Preakness Weekend, and the forecast could not be more cooperative. The 2026 Preakness Weekend at Laurel Park gets underway this afternoon under sunny skies in the low 70s. Saturday looks even better for racing fans: sunny and near 84°F with light southwest winds — outstanding conditions at Laurel Racetrack. If you still need seats, Get tickets on SeatGeek or Find tickets on StubHub. Heading to the winner’s circle in style? Pick up Official team gear on Fanatics.
Best Window To Be Outside
This evening is your sweet spot once the wind calms — the Inner Harbor waterfront, Federal Hill Park, and the trails around Fort McHenry will all be stunning by late afternoon. Saturday is the clear pick of the weekend: sunny and 84°F with barely any wind. Plan your paddleboarding on the Chesapeake, a round of golf, or a backyard gathering now.
Tonight also brings a packed concert slate. Front Porch Live is at The Theater at MGM National Harbor and The Mountain Goats are playing The Fillmore Silver Spring. Grab a Front Porch Live t-shirt or a The Mountain Goats t-shirt to rep your show, and snag remaining seats on StubHub before they disappear.
Wind & Allergy Risk
No severe weather concern today — the Storm Prediction Center has no active outlook for our area, and the Weather Prediction Center puts the flash flood risk below 5 percent through Saturday morning. The gusty NW winds are the main nuisance. If you have a patio canopy or outdoor furniture set up, a ratchet tie down strap kit will keep things secure through the breezy morning hours. Explore more practical outdoor gear deals heading into the warm weekend.
Grill It Up Tonight
Low 70s with calm evening winds is textbook backyard cookout weather. Fire up the grill for burgers, steaks, or grilled chicken with corn on the cob. An instant-read meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of the cook, and a grill brush and scraper set keeps your grates in shape for the whole weekend. Love a slow-smoke project? Check out this guide to smoking tri-tip like brisket — a $10 method worth trying while the weekend temps are high. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Saturday hits near 84°F under sunny skies — the best day of the stretch. Sunday climbs to near 89°F but brings a slight chance (around 20%) of afternoon showers and thunderstorms as a front edges in from the Ohio Valley. The National Weather Service notes above-average temperatures and daily storm chances continue through the middle of next week. Enjoy the clear and gorgeous stretch while it lasts.
