Dramatic Weather Shift Coming To MD: See Forecast, Timing

After several days of summer-like heat, a dramatic shift in the weather is coming to Maryland, with temperatures dropping as much as 50 degrees and even a snow flurry possible, according to the latest forecasts.

So far this week, temperatures in the Baltimore region have challenged daily records, reaching levels more typical of summer than early spring, AccuWeather forecasters said Thursday.

On Wednesday, Baltimore reached a high of 91 degrees, while Washington, D.C. hit 90 degrees. Both were the earliest 90-degree days since April 2013.

But that's about to change, according to forecasts.

While high temperatures will remain in the 80s through Saturday, a wedge of cool air is expected to move into the Baltimore region on Sunday.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will either hold steady in the 50s or fall over the course of the day on Sunday. Morning showers are also possible, but should wind down, giving way to drier conditions during the afternoon.

Another system will pass overhead Sunday night, bringing a secondary surge of colder air from the northwest as it
departs.

"Temperatures should drop into the 30s for most (lower 40s
southeast of I-95), with snow showers possible in the mountains," NWS forecasters wrote. "A stray flurry or two could even be possible to the east of the mountains late Sunday night or early Monday morning."

Temperatures are forecast to climb into the 50s for most on Monday, with northwesterly winds potentially gusting to between 20 and 30 mph.

Meanwhile, a high pressure system is expected to approach Maryland from the northwest Monday night. Depending on the position of the system and if winds go calm, there could be frost or freeze concerns Monday night, NWS forecasters said. Low temperatures are currently forecast to be in the 30s for most locations.

"A temperature drop of 30-50 degrees or more can have real consequences for crops and early blooms," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tyler Roys said Thursday. "Warmth has accelerated budding, and now a sudden frost or freeze could damage or even wipe out sensitive vegetation."

Here's a look at the detailed NWS forecast for the Baltimore region:

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Northwest wind 8 to 11 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58. North wind around 6 mph.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. East wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers. Increasing clouds, with a low around 53. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday: Showers. High near 60. Northwest wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday Night: Showers likely, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 56.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 62.