Maryland Weather: Rainy Thanksgiving, then much colder

BALTIMORE – Thanksgiving is expected to be wet, followed by an arctic storm heading into the weekend. After a few morning showers and thunderstorms, partly cloudy skies are expected this afternoon and tonight. A breezy northwesterly wind will blow at 20 to 25 miles per hour throughout the day.

High temperatures will reach near 60 degrees this afternoon before falling to the upper 30s overnight. Leisure travelers are unlikely to experience any major weather-related problems today or this evening, as dry conditions and favorable driving weather are expected.

Wednesday: A calm before the storm

Wednesday looks pleasant, with a mix of clouds and sunshine and high temperatures around 50°C. However, clouds will increase throughout the day as a storm system approaches from the west. This system brings a significant chance of rain on Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving Day: Wet and cool

Wet weather is expected throughout the day on Thursday, with the heaviest rain likely in the morning and early afternoon. By evening the showers will ease and high temperatures will barely reach 50 degrees. Rain will ease off Thursday evening and skies will be partly cloudy through Friday morning.

Friday: Colder air is coming

A much colder air mass will follow the storm system. Highs will only reach the 40s on Friday and gusty northwest winds will make it even cooler.

Weekend: Arctic air moves in

The weekend brings the coldest air of the season so far. Highs on Saturday and Sunday will only reach the mid to upper 30s, while overnight lows will fall well into the 20s. Gusty north-westerly winds will bring a chill, with temperatures feeling like around 15 and 20°C, especially in the morning. The wind chill could continue to ease by Sunday night.

Next week: The arctic cold continues

Arctic air will remain in place early next week. Highs on Monday and Tuesday will be around 40 degrees, with lows in the low to mid 20s. Highs will be in the 40s for most of the week as this slow weather pattern continues. The region is likely to remain dry until the first part of next week.

Winter travelers: pack accordingly

If you are traveling somewhere warm for the holidays, be sure to bring winter clothes with you for the return trip. The sharp temperature difference will be noticeable when you return this weekend or early next week.