Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Maryland

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch Thursday for the Baltimore-Washington metro area, effective until midnight.

A severe thunderstorm watch means that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms. The weather service issued the weather alert at 1:25 p.m. Thursday.

The Capital Weather Gang notes that storms could hit the area between 4-7 p.m. Thursday.

Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford and Howard counties are also under a flash flood watch from 2:15 p.m. on Thursday until 11 a.m. on Friday with the potential for torrential downpours.

Temperatures Thursday are expected to reach the low 90s. Expect a temperature cooldown by Friday with high temperatures in the mid-80s.

Here's a look at the National Weather Service forecast Thursday and Friday:

• Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Some thunderstorms may be severe with damaging winds and heavy rainfall. Highs in the lower 90s. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
• Thursday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely in the evening...then showers and numerous thunderstorms after midnight. Some thunderstorms may be severe with damaging winds...then some thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall after midnight. Lows in the mid 70s. East winds 5 to 10 mph...becoming south after midnight. Chance of rain 80 percent.
• Friday: Mostly cloudy. Showers likely with scattered thunderstorms in the morning...then a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 80s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
• Friday night: Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 70s. North winds 5 to 10 mph.

—By Mary Ann Barton (Patch Staff)

GRAPHIC: National Weather Service map issued Thursday at 1:25 p.m. shows area shaded in rose under a severe thunderstorm watch until midnight.