Weather
Maryland Weather Alert: 70% Rain, Then Cold Weekend Oct 16-18
Baltimore, MD – A sharp change in temperatures is approaching the Baltimore area, where Friday's summerlike warmth will give way to a chilly autumn weekend. Temperatures could climb to 83 degrees Frid
By Cole Barrett · 2026-10-15T07:21:03.709Z
Baltimore, MD – A sharp change in temperatures is approaching the Baltimore area, where Friday's summerlike warmth will give way to a chilly autumn weekend. Temperatures could climb to 83 degrees Friday before dropping to approximately 41 degrees Saturday night, creating a 42 degree difference across the period. Showers and possible thunderstorms will accompany the transition, with rain chances reaching 70% Friday night. By Sunday morning, residents could wake up to some of the coolest conditions of the forecast period before sunshine returns.
According to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington forecast office, showers and thunderstorms are likely Friday night, followed by substantially cooler temperatures Saturday and Sunday. The forecast centers on Baltimore, an independent city in central Maryland and the Baltimore Washington metropolitan corridor, where changing conditions could affect weekend travel, outdoor activities and residents preparing for colder weather.
Friday Night Rain Arrives Before the Cooldown Friday brings the warmest temperatures of the forecast period, with afternoon highs reaching approximately 83 degrees. Cloud cover is expected to gradually clear after midmorning, allowing warmer conditions to develop across the Baltimore area.
Southwest winds of 7 to 11 mph could gust as high as 21 mph during the afternoon. The warmer weather will be relatively short lived, however, as showers and thunderstorms become likely Friday night.
The National Weather Service places Friday night's precipitation probability at 70%, with temperatures falling near 50 degrees. Northwest winds of 10 to 13 mph could gust as high as 24 mph as cooler air moves into the region.
The forecast does not establish a severe thunderstorm warning or specific damaging wind threat for Baltimore. However, periods of rainfall could create wet pavement and temporarily reduce visibility during evening travel.
Saturday Brings a 26 Degree Drop in Afternoon Highs Saturday marks a noticeable shift toward colder autumn weather. Temperatures are expected to reach only 57 degrees, representing a 26 degree decline from Friday's projected high of 83 degrees.
A 30% chance of showers continues before 8 a.m., followed by mostly sunny skies as conditions improve. Residents attending outdoor events may notice a considerably cooler feel compared with Friday afternoon.
The most significant temperature difference develops Saturday night, when mostly clear skies accompany a low near 41 degrees. That places Baltimore's forecast temperature 42 degrees below Friday's afternoon high, although the change occurs over more than a day rather than within a few hours.
For motorists using Interstate 95, Interstate 83 and Interstate 695, Friday night's rainfall could create wet driving conditions. Drivers crossing exposed bridges may also encounter gusty winds, although no specific closures or traffic disruptions are identified.
The weekend cooldown could also affect outdoor dining, sporting events and evening gatherings, making warmer clothing useful after sunset.
Sunday Sunshine Returns With a Chilly Morning Sunday, Oct. 18, is expected to begin on a chilly note following Saturday night's low near 41 degrees. Sunshine should dominate the afternoon, allowing temperatures to recover to approximately 59 degrees.
Despite the cooler start, Sunday is expected to offer more favorable conditions for outdoor activities than Friday night's rainy period. The supplied forecast does not specifically predict frost or freezing temperatures in Baltimore.
Sunday night remains mostly clear, with temperatures falling near 44 degrees before a gradual warming trend develops early next week.
Monday brings mostly sunny skies and a high near 63 degrees, followed by partly cloudy conditions and a nighttime low around 48 degrees.
By Tuesday and Wednesday, afternoon temperatures are expected to reach approximately 66 degrees, signaling a return to milder autumn weather.
Residents should monitor updated forecasts for changes in Friday night's thunderstorm timing and Saturday night's temperatures.
Will Baltimore's sharp weekend cooldown change your outdoor plans?
Five Day Weather Outlook Thursday 10/15: Increasing clouds bring a high near 65 degrees and a 60% chance of showers, mainly after 2 p.m., followed by a 40% chance of nighttime showers and temperatures falling near 60 degrees.
Friday 10/16: Cloudy skies gradually clear after midmorning as temperatures climb near 83 degrees, with southwest wind gusts reaching 21 mph, before showers and thunderstorms become likely Friday night with a 70% precipitation chance and a low near 50 degrees.
Saturday 10/17: A 30% chance of showers continues before 8 a.m., followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 57 degrees, while mostly clear conditions Saturday night allow temperatures to fall to approximately 41 degrees.
Sunday 10/18: Sunny skies return following a chilly morning, with afternoon temperatures recovering to approximately 59 degrees, offering improving conditions for outdoor activities before mostly clear skies and temperatures near 44 degrees Sunday night.
Monday 10/19: Mostly sunny skies and a high near 63 degrees continue the gradual warming trend following the weekend cooldown, with partly cloudy conditions expected Monday night as temperatures fall to approximately 48 degrees.
Extended Weather Outlook: Oct. 20 21 Tuesday, Oct. 20, is expected to bring mostly sunny skies and a high near 66 degrees, followed by partly cloudy conditions and temperatures falling near 49 degrees Tuesday night.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, brings sunny skies and a high near 66 degrees, continuing the return to milder conditions.