Here’s what to know about Baltimore-area weather, traffic for Thanksgiving travel
Those planning to make their Thanksgiving commutes on Wednesday can expect clearer weather than Tuesday’s travelers, according to the National Weather Service, though roads are expected to be busier.
Wednesday’s forecast for Baltimore’s Inner Harbor calls for mild weather, with partly cloudy skies expected to be accompanied by a high near 60 degrees around noon. Winds are expected to reach a light-to-gentle breeze of up to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Slightly faster breezes are expected on Thanksgiving Day, which is forecast to be sunny with a high near 58 degrees.
A coastal flood warning is in effect for southeastern Harford County, meaning sea water spillage is imminent or expected. The warning was set to be in effect until 9 a.m. Wednesday. Anne Arundel County is under a coastal flood advisory until 3 p.m., meaning flooding could cause a “significant inconvenience” and caution should be used, as inundation could reach a half-foot above ground level.
Rain hit Baltimore’s Inner Harbor before noon Tuesday morning and continued into the night, with a total of just over 2 ¼ inches of precipitation measured at BWI Marshall Airport before skies cleared up Wednesday morning, according to the weather service.
Getting around
About 1.06 million Maryland residents will travel more than 50 miles for Thanksgiving this year, a 3% increase over last year but still less than prior to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a AAA forecast.
Around 90% of those travelers, about 964,000 Marylanders, are forecast to travel by automobile.
The best times to travel through the Baltimore area on Wednesday are before 11 a.m. and after 4 p.m., according to a Thanksgiving traffic forecast from the Maryland Department of Transportation.
The department said congestion is expected on the Baltimore region’s interstate highways throughout the day.
Those traveling on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge should do so before 9 a.m. or after 8 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.
Travelers considering pre-turkey cannabis or a post-meal adult beverage are reminded to not get behind the wheel while intoxicated. The Motor Vehicle Administration said Monday they are offering $20 credits for ride-booking services from Lyft over the holidays. All Maryland residents are eligible to receive a code for their credit, while supplies last, on ZeroDeathsMD.gov/Rideshare starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
The credits can be used after 4 p.m. Wednesday, and will expire 24 hours after they are claimed within the Lyft app if they are not redeemed.
Those traveling by air can expect BWI Marshall airport to be busy but with a full staff, Maryland Aviation Administration Executive Director Ricky Smith said at a recorded news conference this week.
Travelers are asked to arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before international ventures. For more information, visit BWI’s online travel guide.
