The WJZ First Alert Weather Team has issued an Alert Day Friday for the potential of strong to severe thunderstorms through Friday evening. Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across the entire state of Maryland.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne's and Talbot Counties until 5 p.m. Additional watches may be issued. 

Scattered thunderstorms are forecast to pop-up and quickly becoming strong to severe this afternoon. Storms will be developing in an increasingly warm and muggy air-mass, which would allow storms to quickly strengthen. Any storm today could contain damaging winds, hail, heavy downpours and an isolated tornado. The greatest chance of severe weather appears to be after 1 p.m. across much of central and eastern Maryland. The risk of nasty storms peaks between 3 and 7 p.m.

Please have multiple ways to receive warnings throughout the day as storms may knock out power in spots. Download the CBS News app for push alerts to your mobile device. The WJZ First Alert Weather Team will keep you updated.

Storms push out of the area after 7 p.m. Another wave of rain and storms is possible overnight. The latest data favors the bulk of overnight rough weather to stay south of the Potomac River.

The Preakness forecast is trending drier. It'll feel very warm and humid outside. Saturday's temperature peaks in the mid to upper 80s late in the afternoon. A couple storms may develop through the day, mainly south and east of Baltimore. Storms may be strong, with gusty winds and small hail if they do manage to develop. 

By the main Preakness race at 7:01 p.m., we are expecting breezy winds and less muggy conditions under a mostly sunny sky.

Sunday and Monday are looking refreshing with a gusty breeze and sunshine. Another slow-moving area of low pressure delivers showers and thunderstorms Wednesday. Wet weather lingers into Thursday and Friday.