Freeze warning issued ahead of overnight blast of cold

Freezing temperatures are imminent in areas north and west of Baltimore, according to the National Weather Service, which has issued a freeze warning for much of the state. Close to the Chesapeake Bay, the season's first frost is also possible.

Forecasters had issued a freeze watch Thursday, which meant a strong likelihood of freezing temperatures was ahead, but a warning means the cold is on its way. Lows are expected in the upper 20s and low 30s in northern Baltimore County and Harford, Carroll and Howard counties. The warning extends west to Cumberland.

In southern Baltimore County, Baltimore City and Anne Arundel County, as well as on the upper Eastern Shore, a frost advisory is in effect with lows potentially reaching the mid- or lower-30s. The bay waters help keep things slightly warmer.

The freeze is coming a few days earlier than the norm for many areas. Read more about that in yesterday's blog post.

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