87°
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
51%
19
Somerset County, MD · Chesapeake Bay
Deal Island Wildlife Management Area
Deal Island Rd, Deal Island, MD 21821
A 13,000-acre WMA on the lower Eastern Shore with extensive salt marsh, some sandy beach access, and world-class waterfowl viewing. Skipjack races still happen nearby every Labor Day weekend.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · High nettle risk · 51% rain
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. South wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 80. Southwest wind 15 to 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 87°F air — ideal beach weather
- 51% rain — rain likely at some point
- 18 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
Water
- 84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- High nettle risk — 71% probability — reconsider swimming
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — severe thunderstorm watch issued july 18 at 2:14pm edt until july 18 at 9:00pm edt by nws wakefield va
8 /100
skip
0 Swim
29 Sunbathe
6 Walk
0 Fish
22 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Weather alert in effect
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 2:14PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:28AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Atmosphere
Air Temp
87°F
Thunderstorms
Wind
18 mph
S
Rain
51%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
86°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
71% probability · Potomac buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 11mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:54 AM
Sunset
8:24 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
86°
Mostly Sunny
11%
80
84°
Sunny
12%
82
86°
Showers And Thunderstorms
79%
8
84°
Showers And Thunderstorms
78%
3
81°
Chance Rain Showers
26%
70
82°
Sunny
13%
83
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 18 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 51% rain chance
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Minor
10:10 PM - 11:10 PM
Major
3:40 AM - 5:40 AM
Minor
10:10 AM - 11:10 AM
Major
3:50 PM - 5:50 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Several pull-offs.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Deal Island Rd, Deal Island, MD 21821
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area today?
Deal Island Wildlife Management Area shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Deal Island Wildlife Management Area dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash.
Is there an entry fee at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area?
Entry to Deal Island Wildlife Management Area is free.
Are there lifeguards at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area?
No lifeguards are stationed at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area?
Amenities at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area include boat launches, observation platforms.
When is the water warmest at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area?
The Chesapeake warms quickly — water temperatures peak in late July and August, typically 78-82°F. Swimming comfortable from mid-June through September.
Where is Deal Island Wildlife Management Area located?
Deal Island Wildlife Management Area is in Somerset County, MD, at Deal Island Rd, Deal Island, MD 21821.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS