Maryland is bracing for a sharp drop in temperatures this weekend as a cold front brings showers, gusty winds, and a blast of chilly air. Saturday has been designated a First Alert Weather Day, with temperatures expected to remain in the 40s and 50s and wind chills making conditions feel even colder.
The cooler weather will follow overnight storms moving across central and eastern Maryland. The cold snap will also bring the potential for frost and freezing temperatures early Sunday, particularly in areas north and west of Interstate 95.
Showers and Storms Move Across Maryland Tonight
A cold front is bringing a fast-moving line of storms across central and eastern Maryland this evening. Showers are expected to linger overnight as temperatures fall and winds become increasingly noticeable.
The combination of damp conditions, cooler air, and gusty winds will make it feel raw and chilly. Overnight wind chills are expected to drop into the 40s, signaling a significant change from the milder weather earlier in the week.
Residents planning to be outdoors should prepare for wet conditions and a colder start to Saturday.
Saturday Forecast: Gusty Winds and Highs in the 50s
Saturday will bring a noticeable temperature drop across Maryland, with morning temperatures in the 40s and 50s. Winds are expected to gust between 25 and 35 mph, making it feel colder than the actual temperature.
The chilly conditions could be especially noticeable during the Baltimore Running Festival. Wind chills are forecast to range from the upper 30s to the lower 40s during the first several hours of the morning. A few showers are also possible in Baltimore before 8 a.m.
Clouds will likely linger through the early part of the day, keeping conditions gray and chilly. Skies are expected to gradually clear as the cloud cover breaks, allowing sunshine to return.
Despite the brighter skies, temperatures will struggle to recover. Afternoon highs are expected to reach only the middle 50s, while gusty winds could keep wind chills in the 40s for much of the day.
Those attending outdoor events or spending extended time outside should consider wearing warm layers and preparing for periods of strong wind.
Freeze Watch Issued for Parts of Western and Northern Maryland
The colder air will remain in place Saturday night, creating the potential for frost and freezing temperatures early Sunday morning.
A freeze watch is in effect for higher elevations of Western Maryland, extending east through northwestern Harford County, from late Saturday night into midmorning Sunday. Temperatures in these areas could fall into the upper 20s to lower 30s.
The first widespread frost of the season is likely in areas north and west of Interstate 95, while additional frost alerts could be issued for central and northern Maryland as Saturday evening approaches.
Sensitive plants and outdoor vegetation could be vulnerable to the cold, especially in locations where temperatures fall to or below freezing.
Sunshine Returns Sunday as Temperatures Recover
Sunday will begin with a chilly morning, and some locations could wake up to frost or freezing conditions. However, sunshine is expected to help temperatures rebound into the middle and upper 50s by the afternoon.
Winds should also be much lighter than Saturday, making outdoor conditions more comfortable later in the day.
The main concern will be the early-morning cold, particularly in areas under the freeze watch. Residents should monitor updated forecasts and any additional frost or freeze alerts as the weekend progresses.
With gusty winds, falling temperatures, and a potential freeze on the way, Maryland residents should prepare for a distinctly colder weekend, especially during Saturday’s outdoor activities and early Sunday morning.