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Cities / Baltimore

Baltimore

United States

Baltimore is projected to face significant climate risks in the coming years, primarily characterized by frequent heatwaves and heavy rainfall events. The increase in heatwaves will likely exacerbate public health concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations, heightening the risk of heat-related illnesses and straining healthcare resources. Concurrently, heavy rainfall events are expected to lead to increased flooding, affecting infrastructure, transportation, and drainage systems. These climate hazards are projected to challenge the resilience of communities, disrupting daily life and economic activities. The combination of extreme heat and intense precipitation poses a future where the city will need to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Urban planning may require reevaluation to address these risks, and the overall vulnerability landscape will necessitate a comprehensive approach to resilience. Without documented technology-enabled solutions to these challenges, the city faces a critical task in preparing for an increasingly unpredictable climate.

Hazard Outlook

How will Baltimore's projected climate hazards compare to other cities under a 3.0°C future warming scenario?

Maximum Rainfall

77th percentile High exposure

Baltimore's projected maximum rainfall of 14 mm is among the highest of all cities globally.

Baltimore
0.0 Lower → Higher 35

Maximum Temperature

50th percentile Elevated exposure

Baltimore's projected maximum temperature of 9.6°C is higher than most cities globally under a 3.0°C warming scenario.

Baltimore
5.0 Cooler → Hotter 13

Heavy Rainfall Days

58th percentile Elevated exposure

With 10 days of heavy rainfall expected, Baltimore ranks higher than most cities for extreme precipitation events.

Baltimore
0.0 Fewer → More 36

Elevation

34th percentile Elevated exposure

At 37 m elevation, Baltimore faces elevated risk from coastal flooding and sea level rise.

Baltimore
-8.0 Lower → Higher 4k

Longest Heatwave

6th percentile Lower exposure

Baltimore may experience heatwaves lasting up to 3 days, lower than most other cities.

Baltimore
0.0 Shorter → Longer 92

Exposure Summary

Max Rain
Max Temp
Heavy Rain
Elevation
Heatwave

Adaptation Priorities

Baltimore faces high exposure to max rain and elevated exposure to max temp, heavy rain, elevation. These areas may warrant priority attention in adaptation planning.

Data source: Climate projections from the IPCC AR6 scenario analysis. See our methodology for details on how we process and interpret this data.

Deployed Solutions

Deployed climate adaptation technologies identified in Baltimore.

No solutions have been documented for Baltimore.

This is an archived snapshot of the database.

Recommended Solutions

Proven solutions from similar cities that could help diversify Baltimore's resilience portfolio

Disaster Assessment and Assistance Dashboard (DAAD)
82%
From: San Francisco

The Disaster Assessment and Assistance Dashboard (DAAD) was deployed in San Francisco as a pilot after receiving endorsement by FEMA to be part of its open data initiative.
Solar-Battery Backup Power for Critical Facilities
82%
From: San Francisco

San Francisco is implementing emergency backup power systems at critical facilities that integrate on-site solar energy generation with battery storage to support both climate action objectives and disaster preparedness.
100-Year Storm Flood Risk Mapping Tool
82%
From: San Francisco

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) launched the 100-Year Storm Flood Risk Map in 2018 to inform property owners and tenants about stormwater flood risk so they can take actions to protect their property and belongings.
Airport Sustainability & Resilience Framework with Climate Action Plan
84%
From: Atlanta

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport developed a comprehensive sustainability and resilience framework centered on environmental, social, and governance performance disclosure and strategic planning.
GIS-Based Urban Tree Inventory and Management System
82%
From: St. Louis

The City of St. Louis Forestry Division maintains an active database of trees that it manages, with a GIS-based inventory for street trees and nearly all of the City's larger parks.
Citizen Science Mobile Heat Mapping with Vehicle-Mounted Sensors
88%
From: Boston

With the help of the Museum of Science, volunteers attached temperature sensors to their cars and bikes to collect data in Boston, Cambridge and Brookline.
Environmental Atlas Urban Climate Planning Advisory System
82%
From: Berlin

Since 2016, the Environmental Atlas, Berlin's map and information server on environmental issues, has provided a new climate model called 'Planning Advices Urban Climate' that identifies areas suffering from adverse climatic conditions and locations where the city has capability of relief.
Automated Water Meter and Leak Detection System
82%
From: San Francisco

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission deployed automated water meter technology and leak detection systems to reduce potable water losses from its distribution system.
Emergency Firefighting Seawater Pump Station Modernization
82%
From: San Francisco

San Francisco upgraded Seawater Pump Station #1 with new diesel engines and remote control capabilities to enable remote operation of the facility.
Solar-Powered Atmospheric Water Generation Hydropanels
82%
From: San Francisco

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission completed a 2-year pilot project in May 2023 that tested atmospheric water generation technology to extract water from the air using solar power at two locations in the city.