Scott A. Minnick, NOAA-National Weather Service, Wakefield, VA
www.weather.gov, scott.minnick@noaa.gov
Warm temperatures and generally near normal precipitation highlighted April across the state of Maryland. In fact, many climate locations recorded the warmest April on record. While April was not particularly wet, near normal precipitation allowed for improving drought conditions following a dry winter and early spring. The warmth has been replaced in early May, with temperatures generally near to slightly below normal. This trend is expected to persist through at least the middle of May as a semi-permanent upper level trough locates over Eastern Canada into the Northeast states. This will provide several opportunities for upper level disturbances and cold fronts to drop over the region, bringing cooler weather and chances for precipitation. Less certainty is expected thereafter. The outlooks provided by the Climate Prediction Center follow the early May trends. The area has increased probabilities to see overall cooler than normal temperatures and above normal precipitation for the month. May is typically one of the wetter months, with normal precipitation across the state around 4 inches. Average daytime temperatures warm into the upper 70’s by the end of the month, as average low temperatures warm into the mid to upper 50’s. The region also begins to see an increase in thunderstorm days and the risk for severe weather. Severe weather is defined as wind gusts of 58 mph or greater, hail one inch or larger, and/or tornadoes. Always be sure to monitor local weather media and the National Weather Service for any threats of severe weather.
