DELMARVA -- Will see plenty of sunshine Monday, but it will be a chilly start to the week as highs reach only the low 40s, with wind chills in the 20s. However, this will be the last cold day for a while, as a warming trend gets underway Tuesday.
High pressure remains in control through Tuesday, keeping conditions dry while allowing temperatures to climb. Overnight Monday, as the high slowly shifts east, winds will turn southerly, helping to moderate overnight lows into the upper 20s and low 30s.
Tuesday will mark the final completely dry day before a storm system arrives midweek. As high pressure moves offshore, a return flow will bring increasing humidity and temperatures climbing into the 50s to near 60. Winds will also become gusty at times, reaching 15-20 mph.
By late Tuesday night into early Wednesday, moisture increases, bringing a chance for showers overnight as a disturbance moves through. A strong cold front will then push through the region Wednesday into early Thursday, bringing periods of moderate to heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and possibly thunderstorms.
Watching for the potential of strong to severe storms Wednesday.
The severity of any storms depends on how far north a warm front lifts, which could create enough instability for strong to severe storms. The areas could experience thunderstorms, with damaging winds possible if storms develop. Non-thunderstorm winds could also gust 25-35 mph throughout the day Wednesday.
Rainfall totals could range from 0.50 to 1.00 inches, with locally higher amounts possible in heavier downpours. Showers will taper off Wednesday night as drier air moves in.
By Thursday, high pressure returns, bringing drier conditions. Temperatures will remain mild, with highs in the 50s Thursday and slightly cooler on Friday.
Looking ahead to the weekend, another system may impact the region Saturday into Saturday night, though forecast models remain uncertain on its exact effects.