Maryland Faces Thunder, Damaging Winds, and Sharp Temperature Drop as Morning Squall Line Sweeps Through Friday
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND — Residents across central Maryland, including the Baltimore metro area, could wake up to thunder, heavy rain, and strong wind gusts early Friday morning as a fast-moving squall line pushes through the region ahead of a powerful cold front.
Radar simulations from the RRFS model show a narrow but intense line of storms crossing Maryland around 5 a.m. Friday, bringing a burst of rain, lightning, and gusty winds before sharply colder air rushes in behind it.
Morning Squall Line Targets Central Maryland
The simulated radar imagery highlights a well-defined squall line stretching from the Mid-Atlantic southward, with Baltimore directly in its path during the early morning commute window.
“How about waking up to thunder and strong winds Friday morning?” forecasters noted as the system approached.
Unlike the recent snow event earlier in the week, this system is rain-dominated, with little to no wintry precipitation expected in central Maryland.
Strong Cold Front Follows Overnight Rain
Thursday night rain will be followed by a strong cold frontal passage, producing a quick but noticeable shift in weather conditions.
“This time it’s just a strong cold front after a night of rain,” weather analysts explained.
As the front passes, winds are expected to increase rapidly, with brief gusts strong enough to rattle windows, down small branches, and cause localized travel issues.
Friday Will Be Warmer in the Morning Than the Afternoon
One of the most notable aspects of this system is the temperature reversal expected through the day.
“Friday will be the kind of day warmer in the morning than the afternoon.”
Temperatures are forecast to peak early, then steadily fall behind the cold front as colder air pours into the region by midday and afternoon.
What Residents Should Expect
Forecasters advise residents across Baltimore and surrounding Maryland counties to prepare for:
- Early-morning thunder and lightning
- Brief heavy rainfall
- Strong wind gusts with the squall line
- Rapid cooling temperatures after sunrise
While severe weather is not guaranteed, the timing and wind potential make this system impactful, especially during the morning hours.
Bottom Line
Friday will begin unsettled across central Maryland, with a quick-hitting squall line delivering rain, thunder, and gusty winds before a sharp temperature drop sets in for the rest of the day. Conditions are expected to improve later Friday, but colder air will dominate heading into the weekend.
Stay with WaldronNews.com for continued Maryland and Mid-Atlantic weather updates as the system moves through.