Storms, Then Big Weather Shift Ahead For VA

Virginia is about to get a reminder that it's October, with thunderstorms and gusty winds giving way to a dramatic temperature drop that could bring the season's first frost to some communities.

After temperatures climb into the lower 80s on Friday, a powerful cold front will sweep through the region, sending weekend highs tumbling into the 50s. By Sunday morning, some communities could see temperatures near or below freezing.

The National Weather Service says the weekend chill could leave temperatures 10 to 15 degrees below normal, a sharp turnaround from the unusually warm weather earlier in the week.

AccuWeather says the blast of Canadian air will bring some of the coldest weather since spring to parts of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Storms Arrive Before The Cold

Thursday will be cooler and cloudier across Northern Virginia, with highs generally in the 60s and occasional showers.

But the cooler weather won't last long — at least not yet.

Temperatures are expected to rebound Friday, potentially reaching 80 degrees or higher in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax and surrounding communities.

The warm-up will be brief. A strong cold front is expected to bring scattered thunderstorms Friday afternoon and evening, with the greatest severe storm potential east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, according to the National Weather Service.

Some storms could produce damaging wind gusts. AccuWeather says the strongest thunderstorms across the broader Mid-Atlantic could generate winds of 55 to 65 mph, although those speeds are not expected everywhere.

The wind could remain a concern after the storms pass.

The weather service says gusts of 35 to 45 mph are possible Friday into Saturday, potentially knocking down tree limbs, scattering outdoor decorations and causing isolated power outages.

A Big Temperature Drop This Weekend

By Saturday, it will feel like a different season in Northern Virginia.

The National Weather Service forecasts highs around 54 to 55 degrees in Arlington, Alexandria and Falls Church, a drop of more than 25 degrees from Friday's expected temperatures.

Sunday won't be much warmer, with highs generally in the mid-to-upper 50s.

The combination of colder air and gusty winds could make Saturday feel even more chilly.

AccuWeather predicts that wind and other conditions could make Saturday morning feel like the 30s or lower 40s along much of the Interstate 95 corridor.

For anyone planning a trip to a pumpkin patch, fall festival or outdoor sporting event, jackets and extra layers will be a good idea.

Frost And Freezing Temperatures Possible

The coldest stretch is expected late Saturday night into Sunday morning, when temperatures could dip into the 30s across much of Northern Virginia.

The National Weather Service says frost is possible in many communities, particularly west of Interstate 95.

Areas west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including parts of the Shenandoah Valley, are most likely to reach freezing temperatures.

Farther east, communities such as Arlington and Alexandria are expected to remain closer to 40 degrees overnight, making freezing temperatures less likely.

Residents with sensitive outdoor plants may want to bring them inside or cover them Saturday evening, particularly in western Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties.

AccuWeather says some higher elevations farther north could even see snowflakes as the cold air arrives, but snow is not expected to be a widespread concern in Northern Virginia.

When Will It Warm Up Again?

Fortunately for those not ready to trade fall sweaters for winter coats, the cold snap should be short-lived.

Temperatures are expected to gradually recover early next week.

The National Weather Service forecasts highs in the lower 60s Monday and mid-60s on Tuesday around Arlington and Alexandria, with similar improvement expected across much of the region.

AccuWeather says temperatures across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic should return closer to seasonal averages by early next week.

Until then, Northern Virginia can expect a little bit of everything: showers Thursday, a brief return to summerlike warmth Friday, potentially strong thunderstorms and gusty winds, followed by a chilly weekend with possible frost.

Detailed Northern Virginia Forecast

Thursday: A chance of showers, mainly after 5pm. Cloudy, with a high near 66. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Thursday Night: A slight chance of showers between 1am and 2am. Patchy fog after 2am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 82. South wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Northwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday: A chance of showers before 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. North wind 16 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 56.

Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers before 2am. Mostly clear, with a low around 39. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Monday: A slight chance of showers after 2pm. Sunny, with a high near 61. Chance of precipitation is 20%.