Coldest air of the season expected across Maryland to close the week
A true taste of fall is settling in across Maryland. A dry cold front is sweeping through tonight, opening the door for cool Canadian air that will have many of us waking up to jacket weather. Areas west of Baltimore could see their first freeze of the season by Friday morning — then we'll rebound nicely with sunshine and 70s this weekend before another cold front brings rain and a few gusty showers late Sunday.
MARYLAND TONIGHT & THURSDAY — CLEARING SKIES, COOLER AND BREEZY
Skies are clearing tonight as the front slides south, and that crisp Canadian air is filtering in quickly. It'll stay breezy overnight with northwest winds around 10–20 mph, which will keep most of the area frost-free for now. Lows by morning will range from the upper 30s to mid-40s across central Maryland, a bit cooler north and west of Baltimore.
Thursday brings sunshine and a true fall feel — highs range from the upper 50s to mid-60s with a steady northwest breeze gusting around 20 mph at times. It'll feel cool, especially during the afternoon. Winds ease up by sunset, setting up a calm and chilly night ahead.
MARYLAND FRIDAY MORNING — WIDESPREAD FROST AND FREEZE WEST OF I-95
Friday morning will be the coldest start so far this fall. Lows west of I-95 — especially in Carroll, Frederick, and northern Howard counties — will dip into the upper 20s to low 30s, leading to widespread frost and freezing conditions. Northern Baltimore and Harford counties can expect lows in the mid-30s with patchy frost, while areas near the Bay and downtown Baltimore stay milder in the upper 30s to low 40s. Sensitive plants should be covered or brought indoors Thursday night.
Friday afternoon turns sunny and pleasant with highs in the mid to upper 60s and lighter winds. Friday night remains cool with lows generally in the upper 30s to low 40s — another round of patchy frost possible in the suburbs.
MARYLAND WEEKEND — BEAUTIFUL SATURDAY, THEN SHOWERS LATE SUNDAY
The chill doesn't last long. High pressure moves offshore Saturday, shifting winds to the south and allowing warmer air to return. Expect sunshine and highs in the low to mid-70s across central Maryland, possibly reaching the upper 70s in some downsloping areas east of the mountains. It'll be a great day to get outside — easily the pick of the weekend.
By Sunday, clouds build ahead of a strong cold front. Showers develop late in the afternoon and continue through Sunday night, and a few gusty showers or isolated rumbles of thunder are possible. Highs reach the upper 60s to low 70s before the front passes.
MARYLAND EARLY NEXT WEEK — BREEZY MONDAY, THEN MILDER AGAIN
Monday starts off unsettled with lingering showers before turning breezy and cooler. Highs will range from the low to mid-60s. By Tuesday and Wednesday, sunshine returns with temperatures rebounding into the upper 60s to low 70s — a pleasant stretch of weather before the next system later in the week.