Monday morning started with cloudy skies, and strong thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening. The stormy weather comes as the Orioles are set to play their home opener against the Boston Red Sox.

There is a chance of thunderstorms beginning any time after 2 p.m., but the most likely timing is between 5 and 8 p.m., said Chris Strong, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington office.

He said there is a “slight risk” of severe thunderstorms, which the NWS will be monitoring. The storms could bring damaging wind gusts or hail, he said. The NWS also said there’s a small risk for isolated tornadoes or severe hail.

Strong advised people to stay weather-aware today and seek shelter, if needed.

Because of the risk of storms, the Orioles moved the start time of today’s game from 3:05 to 2:35 p.m. Parking lots will still open at 11 a.m., followed by gates at noon. Pregame festivities, including the first pitch by Maryland basketball stars and the orange carpet announcements, should start around 2 p.m.

For fans attending the home opener and people driving through the city, there are closed roads and traffic restrictions around Camden Yards on Monday.

The Orioles have an off day on Tuesday and can push the home opener if needed.

The Maryland State Highway Administration encouraged Marylanders to avoid driving through flooded roads and to delay travel if possible.

Ahead of possible severe weather, Baltimore Gas and Electric “proactively increased staffing across our service area to ensure crews are available to respond to any power outages as quickly and safely as possible,” said Jane Ballentine, a BGE senior communications specialist.

She said in any given severe storm, around half of all service interruptions are due to fallen trees and tree limbs, which are a risk when there are high winds.

BGE said customers should call the company to report fallen lines and power outages, and reiterated that people should never approach an overhead power line that might have fallen during a storm

To prepare ahead of time, Ballentine also encouraged BGE customers to listen to the weather forecasts and keep flashlights and batteries on hand.

Temperatures on Monday are warm, with the day starting out in the 70s and expected to reach the low 80s in the afternoon, Strong said.

The forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday will be dry, sunny and cool, with temperatures in the 50s, he said.

The next chance of thunderstorms is Thursday, Strong said, with the possibility that showers will stay in the region through the weekend.