WEATHER BLOG: Big Weather Day

Pay attention to watches and warnings because this could be a big weather day.

Temperatures are soaring out ahead of a strong cold front moving our way. At 11 a.m., we are already up to 67 degrees, and still on the rise. The record today is 72 degrees, and there is the chance that we could hit that. But temperatures are only a part of this story. Winds, heavy rain, and possible severe thunderstorms are also in the forecast Wednesday.

Winds are just starting to increase. Wind gusts outside of any thunderstorm could reach 40 mph this afternoon and evening. Inside any thunderstorm, it's possible that winds could reach or exceed 60 mph. The criteria for severe thunderstorm winds is 58 mph, so there is the chance that we could have some severe thunderstorms rolling through here. The National Weather Service has already issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Garrett County.

Heavy rain will become our issue later Wednesday afternoon and overnight. A Flash Flood Watch will be in effect for almost the entire state starting at 3 p.m. and continuing until Thursday morning. There are also coastal flood watches and advisories posted along the Bay.

The storm will finally get out of here Thursday, taking the heavy rain and thunderstorms with it. However, the high winds will continue - they will just shift around to the northwest. Winds could gust to 40-45 mph. That wind will bring in a new round of cold air. Temperatures will hover in the 40s Thursday afternoon, then drop to the 20s Thursday night.

A Clipper system will bring snow showers or light snow through Thursday night into Friday. Even colder air will follow, with highs only in the 30s Friday and Saturday. Another Clipper may bring snow showers or flurries Saturday night into the early morning hours of Sunday before getting out of here Sunday afternoon. Then yet another Clipper may bring some snow showers Monday night into Tuesday.

Check back in with WJZ and CBSBaltimore.com for any watches or warnings that may be issued.