Maryland will get one more unusually warm day Friday before temperatures ease back for Halloween weekend, according to the latest forecast. Afternoon readings are expected to reach the mid-to-upper 70s, making Friday the warmest day of the workweek.
The warmth will come with a noticeable breeze. Winds from the northwest are forecast to reach 10 to 20 mph during the day, adding a blustery feel even as temperatures climb. A weak cold front is expected to pass through the state late Friday evening, but the front is not expected to bring rain with it.
Dry weather holds for Halloween
The front will usher in cooler air for Saturday, but the forecast remains favorable for Halloween plans across Maryland. Clouds should increase during the afternoon, while temperatures are projected to rise only into the lower 60s.
Conditions should be cooler by the time trick-or-treating begins. Evening temperatures are expected to remain in the upper 50s, with light winds and no rain in the forecast. That combination should provide a dry, seasonably comfortable window for outdoor activities, even though the afternoon warmth will be gone.
- Friday: Mid-to-upper 70s, gusty northwest winds and a dry cold front late.
- Saturday: Lower 60s in the afternoon, upper 50s during trick-or-treating, with dry conditions.
- Sunday: Morning clouds followed by sunshine and afternoon temperatures in the mid-60s.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny and dry for Election Day, with highs in the lower 70s.
Daylight-saving change arrives Sunday
Marylanders also will adjust their clocks this weekend. The shift occurs at 2 a.m. Sunday, when clocks move back one hour. The change will bring an earlier sunrise, expected at 6:34 a.m., and an earlier sunset, forecast at 5:05 p.m.
That earlier sunset will be noticeable during the afternoon and evening, particularly for people commuting or making outdoor plans after the weekend. Sunday’s weather should remain dry, with clouds in the morning giving way to afternoon sunshine. High temperatures are expected to reach the mid-60s.
Warm pattern may last into Election Day
The forecast calls for dry weather to continue through at least the middle of next week. Monday is expected to remain quiet, and Tuesday — Election Day — should feature partial sunshine and temperatures in the lower 70s.
Wednesday is also expected to be pleasant, with highs again in the lower 70s. Skies should start sunny before clouds build later in the day. The extended outlook indicates that the mild pattern could persist through much of the first part of the week rather than ending immediately after Halloween.
| Day | Expected conditions | High temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | Warm, dry and breezy; front late | Mid-to-upper 70s |
| Saturday | Increasing afternoon clouds; dry | Lower 60s |
| Sunday | Clouds early, then sunshine | Mid-60s |
| Tuesday | Partly sunny and dry | Lower 70s |
Rain chances return later next week
The next meaningful shift in the pattern is expected late Wednesday night or Thursday, when moisture may begin to move into the region. The forecast points to a growing chance of a period of rain or showers at that time.
That wetter system also is expected to end the unseasonably warm conditions that Maryland will experience through the beginning of November. For now, the immediate outlook is dominated by a warm Friday, a dry Halloween weekend and several more days of mild weather before rain chances increase.
Residents making plans should be prepared for a sharp change between Friday afternoon and Saturday evening: light layers and sun protection may be useful during the warmest part of Friday, while Halloween participants should expect cooler temperatures after dark. The most important forecast detail for outdoor plans is the continued absence of rain through the weekend and into the early part of next week.
