Enjoy today’s mild temperatures as we aim to get back to the upper 60s, where we belong this time of year. But an early season cold snap will result from a buckling of the jet stream this weekend. The first freeze may be an abrupt shock, bypassing the frost that usually comes first. That frost could push deep into central and southern Maryland come Sunday and Monday morning. So it is inevitable that warnings will be issued and you will need to protect your sensitive plants and garden hoses.

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The upper level temperature chart is the true telling point of the cold air. This will translate to a drop of surface temperatures of 10 to 15 degrees. That means highs on Saturday will only be in the 50s as the breeze fights with the Baltimore Running Festival. When the wind settles down overnight, the coldest air arrives Sunday morning when our first freeze and frost is expected to hit widespread across Maryland.  If you missed my earlier report, this cold blast will also develop Lake Effect Snow and waterspouts to our north.

The good news is that this is a preview and not the norm.  We will have three days of chilly air, then the jet stream will retreat and allow more seasonable air to return next week. Compare this upper level forecast Monday morning to the long range temperature outlook below.  Speaking of outlooks, NOAA will provide their winter 2016 outlook today. I will post that ASAP.

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Chip KidWxDevicesGet the award winning Kid Weather App I made with my oldest son and support our love for science, weather, and technology. Our 3 year anniversary of the release and our contribution to STEM education is this November. It has been downloaded in 60 countries, and works in both temperature scales. With your support we can expand on the fun introduction to science and real weather.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]