Full Breakdown
Memorial Day Weekend Brings Rainy, Cool Weather Across Maryland
5/25/2026, 10:51:43 PM
Current Weather Outlook
Maryland will experience scattered showers, occasional thunderstorms, and lingering fog on Memorial Day weekend. A warm front will raise temperatures from the low 60s to the low 70s, with the heaviest rain expected Saturday.
Recent Conditions and Drought Context
Late-last-week a wet pattern ended a prolonged drought, delivering the first substantial rain in weeks. The National Weather Service in Sterling, VA, recorded the coldest May 23 high for Baltimore, BWI-Marshall, Annapolis and Hagerstown, with highs only in the low-mid-50 °F.
Forecast Details: Rainfall and Temperatures
Forecasters expect 2–3 inches of rain from Friday night through Sunday morning, while seven-day totals could reach 4–6 inches locally. Temperatures will rise from the upper 50s Friday to the upper 70s by mid-week, with occasional highs near 80 °F. Winds may gust 20–30 mph; Ocean City faces a high rip-current risk.
Official Forecast Statements
The National Weather Service said a northward-moving warm front will sustain showers through Wednesday before drying later. Meteorologists warned dense morning fog, especially in Baltimore, and noted the rain will help alleviate the drought. High pressure is expected Thursday.
Public Concerns and Event Impacts
Officials caution that heavy rain and breezy conditions on Saturday will disrupt outdoor Memorial Day plans, prompting First Alert Weather Day declarations. Rip-current warnings advise against swimming at Ocean City beaches.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Rainfall estimates vary: 2–3 inches between Friday night and Sunday morning versus 4–6 inches over seven days. Temperature forecasts range from “upper 70s” to “low 80s” by mid-week.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The wet weather pattern that developed late last week will continue across Maryland on Memorial Day.” — State Meteorologist, CBS News Maryland
- “Some areas of Maryland will likely see 7-day rain totals dating back to last week approaching 4 to 6 inches of rain.” — CBS News Weather Team
- “Saturday will be the wettest day of the holiday weekend with periods of steady rain, heavy at times.” — CBS News First Alert Weather Team
- “According to the National Weather Service office in Sterling, VA (which covers most of Maryland, excluding the Eastern Shore), BWI, the Inner Harbor, Annapolis and Hagerstown all saw the coldest high temperature ever recorded for May 23 (low to mid-50s).” — National Weather Service, Sterling, VA
Implications for Residents and Infrastructure
The rain will help alleviate the current drought conditions. However, intermittent downpours and lingering fog increase the risk of ponding and localized flooding, prompting drivers to allow extra travel time.
Looking Ahead: Expected Improvements
By Thursday high pressure should suppress rain, allowing temperatures to climb into the mid-70s and later the low 80s. Sunday and Monday will see only scattered showers, with drier weather returning for the weekend.
