88°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
67%
15
Kent County, MD · Chesapeake Bay
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
1730 Eastern Neck Rd, Rock Hall, MD 21661
A 2,285-acre island refuge at the mouth of the Chester River. Several beach-access trails through woods lead to quiet shoreline. Not a swimming destination — this is about birds, quiet, and native plants. Bald eagle and osprey nesting in spring.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
67% rain · Thunderstorms · High nettle risk
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Showers and thunderstorms likely. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and midnight. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Weather
- 88°F air — ideal beach weather
- 67% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- High nettle risk — 69% probability — reconsider swimming
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — special marine warning issued july 18 at 4:44pm edt until july 18 at 5:45pm edt by nws baltimore md/washington dc
11 /100
skip
0 Swim
25 Sunbathe
0 Walk
22 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued July 18 at 7:48AM EDT until July 18 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Southwest winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt. * WHERE...Tidal Potomac River from Key Bridge to Cobb Island MD, and Chesapeake Bay and adjoining estuaries north of Drum Point MD. * WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 11 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Weather alert in effect
Special Marine Warning issued July 18 at 4:44PM EDT until July 18 at 5:45PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Tornado Watch issued July 18 at 4:33PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Atmosphere
Air Temp
88°F
Clear
Wind
10 to 15 mph
SW
Rain
67%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
83°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
11:34 PM
1.7 ft · in 2.7h
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
69% probability · Annapolis buoy
Water Quality
Clean
40 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:53 AM
Sunset
8:28 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
83°
Mostly Sunny
6%
81
83°
Sunny
3%
86
83°
Showers And Thunderstorms
75%
15
84°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
70%
16
79°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
18%
76
81°
Sunny
8%
86
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 10 to 15 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 67% chance of rain
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 88°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Free refuge lot.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash on trails.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
1730 Eastern Neck Rd, Rock Hall, MD 21661
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge today?
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge 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 Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash on trails.
Is there an entry fee at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge?
Entry to Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is free.
Are there lifeguards at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge?
No lifeguards are stationed at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge?
Amenities at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge include trails, wildlife observation decks, restrooms.
When is the water warmest at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge?
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 Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge located?
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is in Kent County, MD, at 1730 Eastern Neck Rd, Rock Hall, MD 21661.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS