BALTIMORE (WBFF) — (Updated May 20, 9 a.m.) Wednesday is a Weather Alert Day as the next weather-maker brings storms to Maryland before a rainy and cooler Memorial Day weekend.

A cold front will move into Maryland later today, leading to showers and storms. Storms will fire up late this afternoon into the evening, which could mean impacts to the evening commute. Showers will last through the night.

Futurescan

Some of the storms could be strong or severe, leading to gusty winds and small hail.

Ahead of the front, today will be another very hot day. Highs will be almost 20 degrees above average as temperatures reach the mid 90s. Behind the front, it will be much cooler with highs in the low 60s.

The cool and rainy trend will last over Memorial Day weekend. Highs will be in the 60s on Friday and Saturday and 70s on Sunday and Memorial Day with the chance of rain each day.

Over 95% of Maryland is in a severe drought, so the rain is needed.

Compared to the average rainfall from January 1 through now, BWI is in a 6.36″ deficit. Rain over the coming days will help minimize that deficit.