94°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
64%
10
Calvert County, MD · Chesapeake Bay
Flag Ponds Nature Park
1525 Flag Ponds Pkwy, Lusby, MD 20657
327-acre Calvert County park with 3,000 feet of sandy beach, fossil cliffs, freshwater ponds, and wooded trails. Closer to the water than Calvert Cliffs but with similar fossil-hunting opportunities.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
64% rain · Thunderstorms · High nettle risk
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 105. Southwest wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 94°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 64% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- High nettle risk — 80% probability — reconsider swimming
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — tornado watch issued july 18 at 4:33pm edt until july 18 at 9:00pm edt by nws baltimore md/washington dc
10 /100
skip
0 Swim
14 Sunbathe
0 Walk
15 Fossils
18 Photo
Best for photography 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
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
94°F
Partly Cloudy
Wind
13 mph
SW
Rain
64%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 04 PM
Tomorrow
89°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
80% probability · Gooses Reef buoy
Water Quality
Clean
20 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:56 AM
Sunset
8:27 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
89°
Mostly Sunny
8%
80
87°
Sunny
13%
81
92°
Showers And Thunderstorms
79%
7
86°
Rain Showers Likely
73%
42
79°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
18%
76
82°
Sunny
11%
85
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 13 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 64% chance of rain
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 94°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Small lot, fills on summer weekends.
Dogs
Dogs not permitted.
Entry Fee
$5/vehicle Calvert resident, $15/vehicle non-resident (Apr–Oct); $5/vehicle weekends only Jan–Mar
Address
1525 Flag Ponds Pkwy, Lusby, MD 20657
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Flag Ponds Nature Park today?
Flag Ponds Nature Park 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 Flag Ponds Nature Park dog-friendly?
Dogs not permitted.
Is there an entry fee at Flag Ponds Nature Park?
$5/vehicle Calvert resident, $15/vehicle non-resident (Apr–Oct); $5/vehicle weekends only Jan–Mar
Are there lifeguards at Flag Ponds Nature Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Flag Ponds Nature Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Flag Ponds Nature Park?
Amenities at Flag Ponds Nature Park include restrooms, trails, observation tower, fossils.
When is the water warmest at Flag Ponds Nature Park?
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 Flag Ponds Nature Park located?
Flag Ponds Nature Park is in Calvert County, MD, at 1525 Flag Ponds Pkwy, Lusby, MD 20657.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS