Those planning to attend Artscape this weekend can expect hot and humid temperatures in Baltimore, as well as road closures and parking restrictions.
Ahead of the weekend, temperatures in the Baltimore area are expected to stay in the high 80s until Wednesday, when temperatures will take a jump into the mid-90s, according to the National Weather Service.
Tuesday is forecast to have a 30% chance of showers after 1 p.m., but overnight, the chance of showers increase to 80%.
The NWS released a hazardous weather outlook warning of the possibility of numerous scattered showers and thunderstorms for about 3 p.m. until midnight. A few of these thunderstorms could produce a few localized, damaging wind gusts and an isolated instance of flooding.
Wednesday will have a high near 95 and a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m., which will be maintained through the night. Thursday is expected to have a high near 96 with a slight chance of showers returning after 2 p.m.
The small chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected to seep into the very early parts of Friday, the first day of Artscape.
The day is expected to have a similar weather pattern to Thursday, but the chance of showers after 2 p.m. will be higher. At night, temperatures are predicted to dip into the mid-70s, and by 2 a.m., chances of showers increase to 50%.
The weather service expects Thursday and Friday to be hot and humid conditions, which will bring heat index values to around 105 to 110 degrees
Throughout Saturday, showers become probable, though the high will continue to stay in the 90s. Sunday, the last day of Artscape weekend, is forecast to have a high in the 90s with a slight chance of showers throughout the day.
Along with the humid weather, Artscape attendees can plan for road closures and parking restrictions in Baltimore City.
Roadway closures and operational changes will be done in phases that began on Monday morning. Motorists will be rerouted by the Baltimore City Police, transportation enforcement officers, signs and electronic message boards.
After the arts festival ends, some roads will stay closed until 4 p.m. on Aug. 6th. Roads will be reopened after all event-related materials and equipment are cleared from the streets.
The following roads are closed for Artscape until Aug. 6 at 4 p.m.:
- Mt. Royal Avenue between McMechen and St. Paul streets. Mt. Royal traffic will be detoured right onto McMechen Street. The access to Mt. Royal Avenue at the I-83 exit ramp to Mt. Royal will be closed.
- Cathedral Street between West Biddle Street and Mt. Royal Avenue.
- Dolphin Street between Howard Street and Mt. Royal Avenue.
- West Preston Street between Cathedral and North Howard streets.
- West Oliver Street between Mt. Royal and Maryland avenues. (Access to the Fitzgerald Garage and University of Baltimore Lot will be maintained.)
- West Lanvale Street between Mt. Royal Avenue and Rutter Street.
- West Lafayette Street between Mt. Royal Avenue and Rutter Street.
- West Preston Street between Maryland Avenue and Cathedral Street. (Access to the Maryland Avenue Garage and Artscape permit parking will be maintained.)
- McMechen, Malster, and Dickson streets will be closed behind the MICA Bunting Center and Fox Building.
Road closures from Wednesday at 10 a.m. to Monday at 6 a.m.:
- North Charles Street between West Preston Street and North Avenue. (The ramp to I-83 closes at this time, and local access between Biddle and Preston streets will be maintained.)
- Lanvale Street between Maryland Avenue and Lovegrove Street. (Access to Amtrak parking at St. Paul Street will be maintained.)
- Lafayette Avenue between St. Paul Street and Maryland Avenue. (Access to Marathon Gas Station and Schuler School will be maintained.)
- North Charles Street between North Avenue and West 21st Street.
- West 20th Street between Maryland Avenue and St. Paul Street.
- North Side Parking/Curb Lanes on North Avenue from North Howard to St. Paul streets.
- South Side Parking/Curb Lanes on North Avenue from Maryland Avenue to North Charles Street.
Road closures from Friday at 9 a.m. to Monday at 6 a.m.:
- Falls Road from West Lafayette to Maryland avenues.
- Southbound Jones Falls Expressway ramp to Maryland Avenue. A temporary traffic pattern will be installed along Maryland Avenue from Oliver Street to North Avenue. Vehicles will only be able to turn north onto Maryland Avenue at Oliver Street. Local access to the Fitzgerald Garage will be maintained, and Fitzgerald residents and UB students will be able to turn right onto Maryland Avenue at Oliver Street.
- Northbound Maryland Avenue traffic must turn right at North Avenue.
- The intersection of Mt. Royal and Maryland avenues will remain closed until Monday at 6 a.m.
The Baltimore City Department of Transportation did not provide locations for the parking restrictions but asked motorists to notice the information posted throughout the event. The department urges those with questions about the locations of towed vehicles to call 311.
Originally Published: July 30, 2024 at 9:53 a.m.