Easter weekend weather in Maryland starts warm and turns rainy

Wild temperature swings will continue through the holiday weekend and into next week. 

The next chance of widespread rain and a few storms arrives on Easter Sunday, a First Alert Weather Day.

Roller coaster temperatures across Maryland

A warm front will continue to gradually lift northward across Maryland late Friday morning through Friday afternoon. Low clouds and patchy drizzle will continue to erode. 

Skies will gradually brighten and the breeze will pick up out of the south from south to north. In and around Baltimore, the warm front should pass through by 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. Once the front lifts north of us, expect skies to turn partly to mostly sunny with a rapid jump in temperatures. Highs will range from the lower to middle 70s across northeastern Maryland to the upper 70s in Baltimore City to near 80° south and southwest of Baltimore City. 

Saturday features much warmer weather across the state. Under a mix of sun and clouds, Baltimore's afternoon high temperature will come very close to the record high of 86° set back in 2011.

A couple of spotty showers or an isolated thunderstorm are possible Saturday afternoon and evening. There will be plenty of dry time to get plans in, even if there is brief rain in your area. Any brief shower or storm could be a short window of heavy downpours. 

Rainy weather on Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday is tagged as a First Alert Weather Day. Another cold front pushes through with widespread rain and a few storms. The chance of wet weather should peak between mid-morning and mid-afternoon. 

Timing may shift as Sunday gets closer. Outdoor Easter plans may be impacted - the reason for the Alert Day. Check back in with the First Alert Weather team. Right now, early expectations of 0.25" to 0.50" of rain seem likely - another small dent in the ongoing drought. 

Much cooler weather blows in behind Sunday's rain. Temperatures will dip below freezing in many areas on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.