Forecasters say we're in for some showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and this evening. Some spots could see more than an inch of rain, and severe storms - with hail and damaging wind - are possible. But by Thursday, and straight through the weekend, we should enjoy cool, sunny days and chilly nights as October brings us something that feels more like autumn.

The showers and thunderstorms are expected to move in after 3 p.m. as a weak cold front approaches from the Ohio Valley. The I-95 corridor should see the storms around rush hour, with the action moving across the bay around dinnertime.

The the cold front pushes through on Wednesday, bringing us daytime highs only in the 60s by Thursday and on into the weekend. The overnight lows will sink to the 40s. Both are 5 to 10 degrees below the averages for this time of year at BWI.

But skies should be mostly sunny, so whatever you decide to do this weekend, you ought to include an outdoor component. Next to April, October is Maryland's prettiest month, in my opinion. Summer's too hot and humid, winter too feeble for real winter sports. The weather in October is still mild, the air is mostly dry, and the hills are full of color. Perfect for a hike, a picnic in the park or a spin on the bike trails. If you have a convertible, it's the best time of year to drop the top.

But maybe your favorite month in Maryland is February (for snow?) or September (for tropical storm remnants?). Drop a comment below and let us know what you think.