Story perspectives

Maryland Records First Above-Normal May Rain, Governor Honors Fallen

5/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rainfall over Memorial Day weekend gave Maryland its first inch-above-normal May total, though the year remains about four inches below average.
Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Don Moore attended a Memorial Day ceremony at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery honoring fallen service members.
Temperatures are forecast to rise into the low 80s by mid-week as a warm front moves north, while rain chances persist through Wednesday.

History

Historical Context

Mid-March 1936, intense rain and snow melt flooded the Potomac and James Rivers, destroying bridges at Harpers Ferry and Point of Rocks. The disaster prompted President Franklin D. Roosevelt to sign the Flood Control Act of 1936, empowering the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to construct dams and levees, a response addressing over $520 million in damages. Memorial Day rains this year echo that historic flood and drive new climate-adaptation efforts.

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Story summary

Rainfall over Memorial Day weekend gave Maryland its first inch-above-normal May total, though the year remains about four inches below average.
Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Don Moore attended a Memorial Day ceremony at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery honoring fallen service members.
Temperatures are forecast to rise into the low 80s by mid-week as a warm front moves north, while rain chances persist through Wednesday.

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