MARYLAND AT A GLANCE

WEATHER

• Maryland current weather (Dept. of Transportation)
• State Climatologist (University of Maryland, College Park)
• Maryland’s Groundhog – Western Maryland Murray

National Hurricane Center

National Weather Service

National Weather Service Forecast Office (Baltimore/Washington)

National Weather Service Interactive Weather Information Network

Earthquakes

Hurricanes

Hydrologic Indicators (rainfall, streamflow, groundwater, reservoirs)

Sunrise & Sunset

Temperature (average monthly)

Tornadoes

Maryland Winters

Since 1871, the mean temperature for Baltimore has been 54.6 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Maryland State Climatologist Office. The highest recorded annual average temperature was 59.2 degrees in 1931, and the lowest was in 1904, at 52.6 degrees.

Murals on a sunny day, Wells St. at Hanover St., Baltimore, Maryland, July 2003. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

Temperatures were recorded at Friendship Airport starting in 1950. Located just south of Baltimore City in Northern Anne Arundel County, the Airport was renamed Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) Airport in 1973, and BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport in 2005.

Since 1871, Baltimore's recorded precipitation has averaged 41.94 inches a year, with the highest amount falling in 2003, when 62.66 inches fell. The lowest precipitation recorded was in 1930, when only 21.55 inches fell throughout the year.

Annapolis waterfront, Spa Creek (near juncture with Severn River), Annapolis, Maryland, May 2000. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

Snowman "Goin' to the Beach", Glen Burnie, Maryland, January 2011. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

Winter Weather. In winter, the temperature averages 34.1 degrees. The Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland remain cool, while western counties experience colder weather, and more snow.

Weather in Maryland is fairly mild year round, though temperatures vary between areas of the State. Variances in temperature can be accredited to elevation, and coastal area. One example of this is the temperature difference recorded between the Savage River Dam in Garrett County, and Royal Oak on the Eastern Shore. Located between the towns of Accident and Westernport, Savage River Dam is 1,495 feet above sea level. Near Easton in Talbot County, Royal Oak's average elevation is only ten feet above sea level. In January, Maryland’s coldest month, average temperature for the two locales differs noticeably. Royal Oak's mean temperature is 36.1 degrees Fahrenheit, while that for Savage River Dam averages 26.2 degrees. This discrepancy continues in July, the warmest month, when mean temperatures are 69.7 Fahrenheit for Savage River Dam, and 78.6 degrees for Royal Oak.

Maryland is classifed at being temperate of climate, which is predominately determined as, in the Northern Hemisphere, being located between the Tropic of Cancer (23º 27' north latitude) and the Arctic Circle (66º 33' north latitude). Temperate climates are noted for possessing four distinct seasons. The U.S. Department of Agriculture further divides the nation by climate zones for use in regards to plant hardiness. Of these, Maryland contains five zones: 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b. This means that the average annual minimum temperature across the State can vary from -15 degrees in the mountains of Garrett County, to 10 degrees in southern Maryland and Ocean City.

Duration of the freeze-free period averages 185 days, ranging from 130 days in Garrett County to 230 days in southern Maryland and the lower Eastern Shore.

Each Groundhog's Day, a Cumberland groundhog, named Western Maryland Murray, predicts how long winter will last in Maryland. On February 2, 2012, Western Maryland Murray, also known as Mountain Maryland Murray, saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter.

• Earthquakes & Maryland

Hurricanes. Storm effects from hurricanes moving up the East Coast are felt in Maryland almost every year, most often in August and September. High winds, heavy rains, and sometimes flash floods accompany these storms. Rarely has a hurricane directly hit the State (only twice since recording began in 1851), and never has a major hurricane (category 3 or higher) directly hit.

On August 27 and 28, 2011, Hurricane Irene skirted the coast of the Delmarva Peninsula as a category 1 hurricane. Though the core of the storm did not make landfall in Maryland, hurricane force winds were felt in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties, with tropical storm force winds reaching as far west as Frederick. High winds and heavy rains from the storm led to extensive flooding and power outages.

Tornadoes. Historically, Maryland averages three reported tornadoes each year, most often occurring between May and July. The most powerful tornado recorded in Maryland occured on April 29, 2002, in Calvert and Charles counties. Briefly reaching F5 status, it covered more than 30 miles, and had winds in excess of 260 mph.

• Frequently Asked Questions about Tornadoes

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e-mail: mdmanual@mdarchives.state.md.us