Near-record heat gives way to stormy weather across Maryland mid-week Unusually high temperatures will persist through Wednesday in Maryland before a significant shift in the weather pattern brings cooler and rainier conditions through the holiday weekend. This transition offers the best chance for drought relief in months, according to the WJZ First Alert Weather Team. Wednesday has been designated a First Alert Weather Day due to scattered strong to severe storms, expected primarily between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. These storms could bring strong gusty winds, heavy downpours, and lightning, potentially disrupting evening commutes and outdoor activities. The weather system presents a one-two punch of extreme heat followed by severe storms. A record high of 95 degrees is anticipated Wednesday afternoon, potentially tying the 1962 record. The WJZ First Alert Weather Team has issued a First Alert Weather Day for scattered strong to severe storms during the afternoon and evening hours. The strongest storms could produce damaging winds and blinding downpours, prompting the team to advise residents to monitor forecasts closely and ensure they have a reliable method for severe weather alerts. The highest risk for severe storms is from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., though a couple of storms may develop earlier, and showers could linger into the overnight hours after the storms weaken. The weather pattern will shift to cooler and gloomier conditions late in the week. Rain is likely on Thursday and parts of Friday, with wet weather persisting for several hours both days. Combined with a stiff east to northeast wind, temperatures will remain mainly in the 50s. This setup provides much-needed rain to the region, which is currently experiencing severe drought conditions.#maryland #first_alert_weather_day #memorial_day #wjz_first_alert_weather_team #drought_relief
Travel is still on, but rising costs reshape summer vacation plans Memorial Day, traditionally a key indicator for summer travel activity, is seeing a shift this year as higher gas prices and airfares disrupt traditional vacation planning. AAA Travel’s vice president, Stacey Barber, told Yahoo Finance that demand for travel remains strong, emphasizing that Memorial Day weekend getaways are a cherished tradition for many Americans. The organization projects 45 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Memorial Day holiday, which runs from Thursday, May 21, to Monday, May 25. This marks a new record, surpassing last year’s 44.8 million travelers. Road trips are expected to dominate, with 39.1 million people planning to travel by car, a slight increase from last year. Barber noted that even with surging gas prices—now averaging $4.53 per gallon, up from $3.19 in 2025—driving remains the more affordable option for most travelers, accounting for 87% of trips. Air travel is also on the rise, though the growth is tempered by earlier bookings. AAA estimates 3.66 million travelers will take domestic flights over the weekend, a modest increase from last year. However, many of these trips were booked before jet fuel prices began to significantly impact airfares. The broader trend reflects a split in travel behavior across income groups. According to the Bank of America Institute’s summer travel outlook, nearly 40% of lower-income households—those earning $66,000 or less—plan to forgo summer travel altogether. Their travel spending has declined year over year, as funds are redirected to cover higher costs for gas and groceries. Brian Sozzi of Yahoo Finance highlighted that “money earmarked for summer travel is now being used for essentials.#yahoo_finance #memorial_day #stacey_barber #bank_of_america_institute #gene_sloan
