Much of Maryland at risk for severe weather until 10 p.m. as thunderstorms sweep through the region

After a day of a heat index in triple digits Monday, Baltimore is seeing scattered thunderstorms in the evening, meteorologists say.

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for much of Maryland — with the exception of the Eastern Shore — until 10 p.m. And a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Carroll, Anne Arundel, Howard, Baltimore and Prince George’s counties along with Baltimore City but expired at 7:15 p.m.

The storms reached the Baltimore-Washington area around 5 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

The storms have the potential to drop heavy rain on evening commuters, meteorologists said, and could lead to isolated instances of flooding.

“Some of these storms may be severe in nature, where damaging wind gusts will be the primary threat although some large hail cannot be ruled out,” reads an NWS forecast.

Areas along the Maryland-Pennsylvania border have the highest risk of severe storms in the region.

Scattered rain showers are likely to continue into Tuesday, during which half an inch of rain could fall in Baltimore, particularly in the morning and mid-afternoon.

Meanwhile, a cold front is likely to bring cooler temperatures for the area, after a hot and humid start to the week. High temperatures are likely to be in the 70s Tuesday and Wednesday before rising into the 80s for the remainder of the week.

Starting Wednesday, it’s likely to be sunny, until a threat of showers and thunderstorms returns Saturday.