Northern Virginia'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 in the afternoon and evening, then usher in some of the chilliest weather the D.C. region has seen in months, according to the National Weather Service and AccuWeather.
The change could be especially noticeable after temperatures climb into the low 80s on Friday in communities including Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun counties.
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 Northern Virginia 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 highs in the 50s across much of Northern Virginia. Brisk winds will make 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 communities farther inland 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 Northern Virginia, 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 Northern Virginia.
Frost or near-freezing temperatures are possible west of Interstate 95, with the greatest concern in Loudoun County, western Prince William County and communities closer to 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 forecasts temperatures will return closer to normal by early next week.
Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Southwest wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 3am, then a chance of showers. Low around 48. Northwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday: A chance of showers, mainly before 7am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 54. Breezy, with a north wind 17 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 35. North wind 6 to 10 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 57. Northeast wind around 6 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 65.
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