Cold Front Delivers Light Rain to Baltimore, Ending 18-Day Dry Streak
Forecasters expect only a quarter to half inch of precipitation through Friday, leaving the region far below its normal rainfall total for 2026.
By James Mitchell ·
Rain returned to Baltimore on Thursday, Nov. 5, breaking an 18 day stretch without measurable precipitation. The National Weather Service in Sterling, Va., tracks the weather for the city and predicts limited totals. They expect between a quarter and a half inch of rain along the I-95 corridor by Friday.
A cold front moves across the region Thursday. Forecasters said most scattered showers will arrive by mid morning. A lull follows during the afternoon and evening as the front shifts east. The system stalls near I-95 Thursday night. A low pressure wave along that stalled front brings steadier rain overnight and into Friday. Southern Maryland will likely receive the heaviest amounts.
The NWS point forecast for Baltimore City lists a 40% chance of showers Thursday with a high near 75 degrees. Temperatures will drop to 61 degrees Thursday night. Friday brings a 40% chance of showers and patchy fog before 3 p.m., with a high near 70 degrees. The normal high for Nov. 5 in Baltimore is 61 degrees, making Thursday’s temperatures well above average.
Local data shows the region remains far below normal rainfall levels. A tally from BWI Marshall Airport indicates Baltimore is 6.65 inches below normal for 2026. That deficit adds to a nearly 17 inch shortfall recorded across 2024 and 2025. The NWS notes ongoing drought concerns in its forecast discussion. They stated that flooding is not expected given the more than two week hiatus in measurable rainfall.
The short term rain will dampen soil and provide a temporary boost to streams. It will not close the large gap in rainfall totals. The U.S. Drought Monitor releases its weekly map on Thursday mornings. Those maps reflect conditions through the previous Tuesday. The rain falling this week will appear on the map in next week’s update at the earliest.
Baltimore drivers should expect slick roads during the Thursday and Friday commutes. The first rain after a long dry period lifts oil and rubber residue from pavement. The NWS also warns of patchy fog Friday morning before 3 p.m. Homeowners should check storm drains for fallen leaves to prevent street ponding. Isolated thunderstorms are possible Thursday night, so residents should secure loose outdoor items.
Colder air arrives behind the front. The forecast calls for a mostly sunny Saturday with a high near 62 degrees and northwest wind gusts up to 23 mph. Sunday and Monday will be sunny with highs in the low 60s. Overnight lows will drop into the low to mid 40s. High pressure should keep conditions mostly dry from Tuesday through Thursday next week. Western Maryland may see a few snowflakes mixed with mountain showers this weekend.
