Cold Front, Rain to Affect Southeast and Midwest

A strong cold front is expected to end unusually warm, mostly dry weather across parts of the Southeast late Friday, bringing gusty winds and a sharp weekend cooldown. Gulf Coast highs are forecast to fall from the upper 80s or near 90 to around 70, while Charlotte drops into the mid-60s; frost is possible in mountain and foothill areas, and coastal waters may become rough. Winds could gust near 30 mph, and residents are advised to secure loose items and prepare for hazardous conditions; temperatures should return toward seasonal levels early next week. In the Upper Midwest, a separate system is forecast to bring widespread rain Thursday, with roughly a quarter to three-quarters of an inch possible, followed by chilly conditions.