Rain, 55 MPH Gusts To Hit MD: Advisories Issued Wednesday

MARYLAND — Wind gusts up to 50 mph were expected to sweep across Maryland Wednesday evening, with rain moving in just in time for the drive home. The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for much of the Baltimore-D.C. Capital region on Wednesday.

The advisory will be in effect from 3 p.m. on Wednesday to 4 a.m. on Thursday from the DC metro to Annapolis and northward, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

"A strong cold front will bring heavy rain and high winds to the region later today," the NWS said. "Southerly winds are gusting up to 25 mph this morning with 40-55 mph gusts expected later this afternoon into tonight as the front passes. Winds will continue Thursday before diminishing Thursday night."

The late winter storm with strong southwest winds ahead of it will push temperatures to near 70 degrees Wednesday afternoon and bring periods of rain.

A line of heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms will pass through the area between 3 and 8 p.m. with damaging winds possible, the NWS said.

"Our heaviest rain will come during the evening commute as the cold front associated with that storm passes through the area," NBC Washington said. "That burst of heavy rain will be followed by potentially damaging wind gusts of 50 mph or higher this evening. Those winds will bring a dramatic drop in temperatures."

Gusting winds may knock down tree limbs and power lines, potentially leading to power outages. The public is advised to use caution when driving, especially when operating a high profile vehicle. Residents should also secure outdoor objects.

A small craft advisory was also in effect until noon on Wednesday for parts of the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River, according to NWS. This is followed by a gale warning until 4 a.m. on Thursday.

Wednesday will be breezy, with a high temperature of 67 and a low of 31, according to the AccuWeather forecast. Expect showers and a thunderstorm.

Here's the latest Maryland forecast from the National Weather Service:

Wednesday: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. High near 67. South wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers, mainly before 7pm. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 32. Breezy, with a west wind 16 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 47 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 46. West wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 35. West wind 5 to 7 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. South wind 5 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Friday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday Night: A chance of rain after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday: A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64.