Dangerous Heat To Scorch MD, Storm Chances Return: July 4 Weekend Forecast

As Marylanders prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, sweltering heat and humidity could make this weekend's outdoor festivities not only uncomfortable but potentially dangerous. Meanwhile, the return of showers and thunderstorms could also disrupt some holiday plans.

Maryland is one of several states sweating under a massive heat dome that will linger for several days and bring the hottest weather so far this year for many, according to the latest forecasts.

Heading into the weekend, an extreme heat warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday. The warning will be in place again on Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

On Thursday, Marylanders should expect dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 111 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The extreme heat will persist on Friday, with heat index values up to 112 degrees expected.

"Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during
extreme heat and high humidity events," NWS forecasters wrote. "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors."

Meanwhile, storm chances return to the Baltimore region Friday afternoon and evening. According to forecasts, severe thunderstorms are possible after 2 p.m., with damaging wind gusts as the main threat.

Unfortunately, any potential rainfall will offer little relief from the heat heading into Independence Day.

An extreme heat watch is in effect Saturday morning through Saturday evening for areas east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dangerously hot conditions are expected to continue, with heat index values up to 110 degrees possible.

Severe thunderstorms are also possible Saturday afternoon and evening, with damaging wind gusts as the main threat.

Significant heat will linger into Sunday as the holiday weekend draws to a close. Showers are likely and a thunderstorm is possible after 2 p.m., according to forecasters. Expect partly sunny conditions, with a high near 96 degrees.

Here's a look at the detailed forecast for the Baltimore region:

Thursday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 102. Heat index values as high as 111. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 80. South wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Friday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 103. Heat index values as high as 113. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 79. Light west wind.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 96. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am, then a chance of showers between 8am and 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.