Maryland's fall weather is about to take a wild turn, with thunderstorms, gusty winds and a sharp temperature drop all packed into one weekend.
A powerful cold front moving across the region Friday could bring isolated severe thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening before ushering in some of the chilliest weather Maryland has experienced in months, according to the National Weather Service and AccuWeather.
The change could be especially noticeable after the recent stretch of unusually warm weather.
AccuWeather meteorologists say a surge of Canadian air will sweep through the Great Lakes, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, bringing temperatures 10 to 20 degrees below average in some areas this weekend.
The first concern is a round of thunderstorms Friday afternoon and evening, particularly across central Maryland and areas east of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The National Weather Service says isolated storms could produce damaging wind gusts.
AccuWeather warns that some of the strongest thunderstorms across the broader Mid-Atlantic could produce gusts of 55 to 65 mph, though those speeds aren't expected everywhere.
Even after the thunderstorms move out, the wind won't be finished.
The National Weather Service says gusts of 35 to 45 mph are possible behind the cold front Friday into Saturday, potentially causing isolated tree damage and power outages.
And those Halloween decorations? They might need a little extra securing.
"However, winds will be strong enough to send leaves, as well as unsecured trash cans, recycling bins and Halloween decorations flying through neighborhoods," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said.
Saturday will feel noticeably different, with brisk winds making the cooler air feel even colder.
AccuWeather says wind chills could dip into the 30s and lower 40s along much of the Interstate 95 corridor Saturday morning, while interior areas of the Northeast could feel even colder.
The combination of falling temperatures and gusty winds could make outdoor activities feel more like late November than mid-October.
Some areas farther north, particularly around the Great Lakes and higher elevations of New York and Pennsylvania, could even see their first snowflakes of the season.
For Maryland, however, the main story is the cold, not snow.
The coldest conditions could arrive late Saturday night into Sunday morning as winds ease and skies begin to clear.
The National Weather Service says temperatures could fall into the 30s across much of the Baltimore-Washington forecast area.
Frost or near-freezing temperatures are possible west of Interstate 95, with the greatest concern in western Maryland and areas farther west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Gardeners may want to protect sensitive plants, particularly in colder inland communities.
The chilly spell isn't expected to last long. AccuWeather forecasters say temperatures will return closer to mid-October norms by early next week.
Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Southwest wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 5am, then showers likely. Low around 48. Northwest wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. North wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. North wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 57. North wind 5 to 7 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.
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