Maryland Weather Radar
Maryland Live Weather
Maryland Live Weather Radar
Maryland Hourly Weather Forecast
Maryland 7-Day Weather Forecast
Maryland Weather Overview
Maryland weather radar covers a compact but complicated weather state, from Garrett County mountains to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic beaches. Maryland has a humid subtropical climate in the central and eastern lowlands, with cooler uplands in the west and about 43.6 inches of precipitation statewide each year. NWS Baltimore/Washington (WFO LWX) handles Maryland warnings and forecasts, so the Maryland weather radar map is especially useful for tracking storms across Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick, Hagerstown, and Ocean City.
Flooding is the weather threat Maryland residents check most often. The Ellicott City flash floods of 2016 and 2018 showed how fast water can rise in steep Patapsco Valley terrain, while NOAA lists 14.75 inches near Jewell/Friendship in 24 hours during July 1897. Maryland weather radar helps spot slow-moving thunderstorms before roads fill with water. The June 2012 derecho also proved how quickly severe wind can cross the state, knocking out power across the Baltimore-Washington corridor.
Coastal storms and winter weather round out the risk picture. Hurricane Isabel in 2003 pushed damaging Chesapeake Bay surge into Maryland communities, and nor'easters can shift the state from rain to snow within miles. NOAA records show a 109°F Maryland high, a -40°F low at Oakland in 1912, and 31 inches of snow at Clear Spring in 1942. Use Maryland weather radar during tropical remnants, winter storms, and summer thunderstorm days; the Maryland weather radar view keeps those fast-changing patterns in one place.
Maryland Weather Risks & Safety
Nor'easter Risk
Nor'easters are Maryland's biggest multi-threat storms — heavy snow, powerful winds, and coastal flooding all at once. They track up the Eastern Seaboard from fall through early spring and can grind the city to a halt for 24 to 48 hours. On the radar you can see the precipitation bands wrapping around the storm center and track exactly where the heaviest snow or rain is falling. Past nor'easters have buried Maryland under record snowfall with widespread power outages.
Flooding & Flash Flood Risk
Flash flooding is Maryland's most persistent weather hazard. Slow-moving thunderstorms or tropical moisture can dump enough rain to overwhelm drainage systems within hours — especially in paved urban areas where water has nowhere to go. Check the radar to see where the heaviest rain is falling and which areas to avoid. The standing rule: turn around, don't drown. Never drive through flooded roads, even if they look shallow.
Severe Thunderstorm Risk
Severe thunderstorms roll through Maryland regularly, especially spring through early fall. Expect damaging winds above 58 mph, large hail, and dangerous lightning. The radar shows you each storm cell's position, movement, and intensity — so you can tell if one is headed your way. When a thunderstorm warning drops for Maryland, get indoors and away from windows until it passes.
Hurricane & Tropical Storm Risk
Maryland sits in the path of Atlantic and Gulf tropical systems. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, peaking in August and September when warm sea surface temperatures fuel rapid intensification. On the radar, you can track the eye wall, rain bands, and embedded tornadoes as a storm approaches. If you live in Maryland, keep your evacuation plan current and check the radar frequently once a tropical advisory is issued.
Winter Storm Risk
Winter storms hit Maryland when Gulf or Pacific moisture runs into cold Arctic air — the result is some combination of heavy snow, ice, and strong winds. The key thing to watch on radar is the rain-snow line: that boundary determines whether Maryland gets rain, freezing rain, or heavy snow, and it can shift by miles in an hour. When a winter storm watch goes up, stock your emergency supplies and plan to stay home.
How to Use Maryland Weather Radar
Check Current Maryland Conditions
Start with the real-time weather summary for Maryland. Temperature, wind, humidity, and sky conditions help you judge whether storms over the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore, or western Maryland are already affecting travel.
Watch the Live Doppler Map
Use the Maryland weather radar animation to see rain, snow, and thunderstorm cells moving across I-95, I-70, US 50, and the Eastern Shore before they reach your county.
Review Hourly and 7-Day Forecasts
Scroll to the hourly forecast for storm timing, then check the 7-day outlook for nor'easters, tropical remnants, and summer thunderstorm patterns watched by NWS Baltimore/Washington.
Monitor Coastal and Winter Threats
During Chesapeake Bay surge events, winter storms, or Ocean City coastal flooding, refresh the radar often. Maryland weather can shift quickly between western snow, central rain, and Eastern Shore wind.
Who Benefits from Maryland Weather Radar
Commuters & Drivers
I-95, I-695, I-70, and Bay Bridge drivers can time storms before traffic locks up.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Assateague, Deep Creek Lake, and Appalachian Trail visitors can check rain, wind, and snow bands.
Event Planners & Families
Camden Yards, M&T Bank Stadium, and Ocean City Boardwalk planners can watch storms before gates open.
Outdoor Workers
Port of Baltimore crews and Eastern Shore farms can monitor lightning, wind, and coastal flooding.