SOUTHERN MARYLAND — Southern Maryland will begin the week of Aug. 24 with several days of mostly sunny, dry weather before a more unsettled pattern brings increasing humidity and a renewed chance of showers and thunderstorms later in the week.
The National Weather Service forecast for Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties shows Monday and Tuesday offering some of the best outdoor weather of the week. Temperatures will generally reach the lower to mid-80s during the afternoon, while overnight lows fall into the upper 50s and lower 60s in many locations.
Monday, Aug. 24, is expected to be sunny across the region. La Plata is forecast to reach about 83 degrees, Prince Frederick about 83 and Leonardtown about 84. Winds will generally remain light from the west. Monday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures falling to around 60 degrees in Charles County, 62 in Calvert County and the lower 60s around Leonardtown.
Tuesday should bring another dry and sunny day. Forecast highs range from about 83 to 84 degrees across much of Southern Maryland, with mostly clear conditions continuing Tuesday night. The early-week combination of sunshine, relatively low rain chances and cooler overnight temperatures should make Monday and Tuesday the most favorable days for outdoor work and activities.
Conditions begin to change Wednesday.
Mostly sunny skies are still expected during much of Wednesday, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the mid-80s. However, moisture will begin returning to the region, and the National Weather Service shows shower and thunderstorm chances developing Wednesday night in portions of Southern Maryland. La Plata has a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m., while similar overnight chances extend into other parts of the region.
Thursday currently appears to have the greatest potential for widespread unsettled weather during the week.
The National Weather Service forecast for La Plata calls for a chance of showers and thunderstorms Thursday, followed by showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. The precipitation chance is around 60%. Prince Frederick also carries a 60% chance of precipitation, including the possibility of thunderstorms during the afternoon. Leonardtown is forecast to have a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
High temperatures Thursday are forecast to reach the mid-80s despite increased clouds and precipitation chances.
The Thursday forecast does not mean rain will fall continuously across all three counties. Thunderstorms during the warm season can produce significant differences over relatively short distances, with one community receiving a downpour while another remains dry.
Residents with outdoor plans Thursday should monitor updated forecasts and radar, particularly during the afternoon and evening.
Thunderstorm chances decrease but do not completely disappear Friday.
Current National Weather Service guidance gives La Plata and Prince Frederick about a 20% chance of showers or thunderstorms Friday, while Leonardtown carries about a 30% chance. Temperatures may reach the mid-to-upper 80s, making Friday one of the warmer days of the week.
The weekend forecast currently trends toward more sunshine, although confidence decreases farther into the seven-day period.
Saturday is expected to be mostly sunny across much of the region, with only a slight chance of a shower or thunderstorm in some locations. Highs should generally remain in the mid-80s.
Sunday, Aug. 30, remains far enough into the forecast period that details could change. Current extended guidance suggests a mix of sun and clouds with the possibility of showers or an isolated thunderstorm, particularly as humidity remains elevated.
The broader weekly pattern is a sharp contrast between the beginning and second half of the week. Monday and Tuesday should feature dry air, sunshine and comfortable nights. Temperatures and humidity begin increasing Wednesday before the best chance for showers and thunderstorms arrives Thursday.
No widespread hazardous weather alert is currently in effect for the upcoming week across Southern Maryland. Watches, warnings and advisories can be issued as conditions become clearer, particularly when thunderstorms are expected several days in advance.
Forecast confidence is generally highest for Monday through Wednesday and decreases later in the week. Residents should continue checking updated forecasts, particularly before making Thursday and weekend outdoor plans.
The Southern Maryland Chronicle will continue monitoring weather conditions affecting Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties as the forecast develops.
