Baltimore Local Weather RadarBaltimore Weather Radar

Baltimore Weather Radar

Baltimore Live Weather

Baltimore Live Weather Radar

Click to toggle between the Baltimore cloud cover radar map and the Baltimore precipitation radar map.

Baltimore Hourly Weather Forecast

Baltimore 7-Day Weather Forecast

Baltimore Weather Overview

The Baltimore weather radar provides live doppler tracking of storm systems across central Maryland where humid subtropical and humid continental climates collide. Weather radar Baltimore displays doppler radar data from the NWS Baltimore/Washington office (WFO LWX) in Sterling, Virginia, which operates the Baltimore doppler radar network. Baltimore weather doppler radar shows real-time precipitation patterns across the Chesapeake Bay region, where the bay's proximity moderates temperature extremes while Baltimore's I-95 corridor position puts the city in the path of nor'easters. The doppler weather radar Baltimore updates every 10 minutes with live storm movement data.

Severe thunderstorms are Baltimore's primary weather threat from May through August when the Baltimore weather radar frequently shows intense doppler signatures in storm cells. The June 29, 2012 derecho remains Baltimore's most devastating recent weather event — doppler weather radar Baltimore tracked this fast-moving line of storms with winds exceeding 80 mph that killed 13 people statewide and left over 1 million without power. Live weather radar Baltimore also tracks winter nor'easters using doppler technology to measure snowfall rates. The February 2010 Snowmageddon dropped 54.9 inches over five days, while the January 2016 blizzard delivered 29.2 inches in 36 hours — both storms clearly visible on Baltimore doppler radar as they approached.

Flash flooding appears frequently on the Baltimore doppler weather radar after intense rainfall, like the May 2018 Ellicott City disaster that dumped over 8 inches in 2-3 hours. The weather radar for Baltimore shows an average of 41.9 inches of annual precipitation distributed fairly evenly across all seasons. The Baltimore weather radar doppler system provides critical early warning for severe weather threats. Rare cold outbreaks occasionally push temperatures to dangerous levels, though Baltimore's record low of -7°F was set in February 1899. Current weather radar Baltimore delivers the most accurate doppler-based view of approaching storms.

Baltimore Weather Risks & Safety

Key weather hazards to monitor on the Baltimore weather radar

Severe Thunderstorm Risk

Thunderstorms near Baltimore may bring lightning, strong winds, hail, or heavy rain. Radar helps track precipitation position and movement, but it does not by itself confirm lightning at a location or the wind and hail conditions on the ground. Read current NWS forecasts, watches, and warnings for the expected hazards and timing. If a warning covers your location, follow its shelter instructions.

Flooding & Flash Flood Risk

Flooding can develop quickly in Baltimore when slow-moving thunderstorms produce intense rain. Low-lying areas and roads with poor drainage can become dangerous while rain is still falling. Check the radar to see where the heaviest rain is falling and which areas to avoid. The standing rule: turn around, don't drown. Never drive through flooded roads, even if they look shallow.

Winter Storm Risk

Winter storms near Baltimore can bring snow, ice, wind, and difficult travel. Radar helps show where precipitation is occurring and how it is moving, but this precipitation layer cannot reliably determine whether rain, freezing rain, or snow is reaching the ground. It also cannot show whether a road is icy. Check the local temperature forecast, current observations, National Weather Service alerts, and road reports before travelling. Follow the preparation and travel advice in official local notices.

Extreme Cold & Wind Chill Risk

Extreme cold near Baltimore can increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Temperature, wind, exposure time, and available shelter all affect the risk. Precipitation radar does not measure air temperature or wind chill, and a clear map does not establish safe outdoor conditions. Check the local forecast and National Weather Service cold alerts, limit exposure as advised, and follow local guidance for protecting people, pets, and water pipes. Use heating equipment safely.

How to Use Baltimore Weather Radar

Follow these steps to get the most from the Baltimore weather radar data.
1

Check Current Conditions

View the real-time weather status at the top of the Baltimore radar page showing temperature, humidity, wind speed, and current conditions. This gives you an instant snapshot of what's happening right now across the metro area.

2

Monitor the Radar Map

The interactive radar map displays precipitation and storm movement across Baltimore and surrounding counties. Toggle between precipitation and cloud cover views, then hit play to watch the animation and see which direction storms are tracking and their speed of approach.

3

Review Hourly and 7-Day Forecasts

Scroll to the hourly forecast to see when rain, snow, or severe weather might arrive in the next 24 hours. The 7-day outlook helps plan around Baltimore's variable weather, especially during nor'easter season from November through March.

4

Track Severe Weather

During severe thunderstorm or winter storm warnings, check the radar frequently to monitor storm intensity and movement. Baltimore's position along the I-95 corridor means nor'easters and severe storms can intensify quickly as they approach from the south or west.

Who Benefits from Baltimore Weather Radar

How different people use the Baltimore radar data

Commuters & Drivers

Baltimore commuters navigating I-95, I-695, and the Harbor Tunnel can check the radar before heading out to avoid driving into heavy rain, snow, or severe thunderstorms. The hourly forecast shows exactly when precipitation will hit your route across the Baltimore metro area.

Outdoor Enthusiasts

Runners along the Inner Harbor Promenade, cyclists on the Jones Falls Trail, and hikers in Patapsco Valley State Park can review the 7-day forecast to pick the best weather windows. Spring storms develop fast across central Maryland, and radar shows them 30-45 minutes before arrival.

Event Planners & Families

Planning outdoor events at Camden Yards, M&T Bank Stadium, or the Inner Harbor? The 7-day forecast helps choose the optimal day. On event day, radar tracks exactly when afternoon thunderstorms or winter precipitation will move through downtown Baltimore.

Outdoor Workers

Construction crews across the Baltimore metro, harbor workers at the Port of Baltimore, and field teams can check radar before scheduling outdoor work. Severe thunderstorms bring damaging winds and lightning with minimal warning, while nor'easters can shut down operations for days.

Baltimore Weather FAQ

Common questions about Baltimore weather patterns and radar
When is severe weather season in Baltimore?
Baltimore's severe thunderstorm season runs from May through August, with peak activity in June and July. Spring and early summer bring the highest risk of damaging winds, large hail, and occasional tornadoes when warm, humid air collides with cold fronts. The June 2012 derecho demonstrated how quickly severe weather can develop across the region.
How much snow does Baltimore get annually?
Baltimore averages 20.6 inches of snowfall per year, though this varies widely from season to season. Major nor'easters can deliver 20-30 inches in a single storm, as seen during the February 2010 Snowmageddon (54.9 inches total) and January 2016 blizzard (29.2 inches). Most significant snow falls between December and March.
What was the worst weather disaster in Baltimore history?
The June 29, 2012 derecho was one of Baltimore's most devastating recent weather events. This fast-moving line of severe thunderstorms produced winds exceeding 80 mph, killed 13 people across Maryland, left over 1 million without power, and caused over $1 billion in damages across the Mid-Atlantic region.
Does Baltimore experience hurricanes?
Baltimore occasionally faces impacts from tropical systems, though direct hurricane strikes are rare due to its inland location. Hurricane Isabel in September 2003 brought sustained winds of 40-50 mph with gusts to 70 mph, causing widespread power outages and storm surge flooding in the Inner Harbor. Tropical remnants more commonly bring heavy rainfall and flooding threats.
Why does Baltimore get nor'easters?
Baltimore sits along the I-95 corridor where nor'easters track up the Eastern Seaboard from fall through spring. These coastal storms develop when cold Arctic air meets warm Gulf Stream waters, creating intense low-pressure systems. The Chesapeake Bay's geography can enhance snowfall rates and precipitation totals across the Baltimore metro area during these events.
How is this radar different from WBAL-TV or Fox 45 weather radar?
WBAL-TV and Fox 45 provide radar alongside their broadcast forecasts and meteorologist commentary, which is valuable during active severe weather. This page focuses on a clean, ad-free interface with interactive RainViewer radar maps, Open-Meteo hourly forecasts, and a 7-day outlook for Baltimore. Radar imagery updates approximately every 10 minutes. Bookmark this page for quick radar access without video autoplay.