A shot at needed rain is in the First Alert Forecast. Temperatures are cooling back through the 50s and into the upper 40s in many communities this evening. Rain and wind will increase overnight; becoming widespread in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Heavy rain, gusty winds expected Thursday

The day begins with widespread steady rain and embedded downpours. Thursday is a First Alert Weather Day. Impacts to the morning commute are likely 

Heavy rain is possible through the morning drive. Plan extra time into your morning routine, as it may be slow-going across the area. Rainfall totals will average between 1 and 2 inches across central Maryland. A couple of spots could receive more than 3" of rain between by early Thursday afternoon. 

Street flooding is possible where the heaviest downpours occur. 

Winds will gust up to 50 MPH in a few spots. It'll be windiest over the open waters of the bay, as well as at the beaches and in the mountains. Winds will gust between 30 and 40 MPH across the entire metro early Thursday morning, on through midday. Spotty power outages are possible. Limbs and unhealthy trees could also come down where the strongest gusts occur.

There is a low risk of severe thunderstorms with severe wind gusts and a brief spin-up tornado. 

Temperatures warm through the 50s and will top out in the 60s Thursday afternoon as our forecast dries out.

Pleasant weather prevails on Halloween

The forecast improves just in time for Halloween on Friday.

Afternoon temperatures peak in the upper 50s and lower 60s with a gusty breeze and lots of sunshine. Winds will gust stronger than 35 MPH in spots through Friday afternoon.

Calmer conditions arrive by sunset as temperatures cool back through the 50s and into the 40s in many communities by 10 p.m. Chilly, pleasant and dry weather continues through the rest of the weekend.