Morning clouds give way to heat, humidity across Maryland

Summer is turning up the heat across Maryland this week, and the humidity isn't far behind. That classic August combo will make it feel even hotter - and keep daily thunderstorm chances in play.

The pattern is shifting as high pressure slides offshore, letting warmer, moisture-packed air flow in. By Thursday, a weak front will be moving our way, stirring up the atmosphere and giving us a better shot at those pop-up afternoon and evening storms.

Tuesday afternoon brought highs in the upper 80s to low 90s across much of the state. Morning clouds gave way to sunshine, but a few showers managed to bubble up - mostly in the mountains - with a stray cell possible closer to the Bay. Any storms will fade quickly after sunset, and the night will stay warm and muggy with lows in the 70s. Expect some patchy fog and low clouds again by morning.

Wednesday will feel stickier as deeper moisture streams in ahead of the cold front. Showers and storms will be more widespread in the afternoon and could linger into the night. A few storms might pack a punch with heavy rain, gusty winds, and lightning. With heat index values pushing into the mid to upper 90s - and even flirting with 100 - it will be a good day to take it slow outdoors.

Thursday keeps the steamy feel going, with highs near 90 and another round of scattered storms, especially where a stalled front to our south acts as a spark. Overnight lows won't offer much relief, staying in the low to mid-70s.

A weak front slips through Friday, bringing slightly less humidity and only a small chance of an afternoon shower or storm. Highs will stay warm - mid-80s to low 90s - and the weekend starts off on a drier note.

By Sunday, the heat and humidity bounce right back ahead of another front. Highs will climb into the low to mid-90s, and with the humidity, it'll feel more like the upper 90s to near 100. Spotty storms could pop late in the day, especially in northern Maryland.

Beachgoers will also need to be extra cautious this weekend. Tropical Storm Erin, spinning well offshore, will send larger swells toward the Mid-Atlantic coast, increasing the rip current risk along Maryland and Delaware beaches. Hazardous surf is expected, especially Saturday and Sunday.

If you're heading to the beach, swim near a lifeguard, never enter the water alone, and avoid swimming in areas where you see breaking waves funneling back out to sea - a telltale sign of a rip current. Always check the latest beach hazard statements before heading out.

Early next week looks warm and unsettled, with several weak fronts moving through and afternoon storms possible each day. Any storm that forms through the week could bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and plenty of lightning.

Stay hydrated, pace yourself in the heat, and keep an eye on both the radar and beach forecasts - summer in Maryland isn't done with us yet.