89°
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
54%
22
Charles County, MD · Potomac River
Purse State Park
Rugged, undeveloped 180-acre state park on Wades Bay along the Potomac. The draw is the half-mile beach at the bottom of a short wooded trail — famous for Miocene shark teeth and fossil shells washing out of the eroding cliffs. No facilities, no crowds.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · 54% rain · NWS alert active
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. Southwest wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 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 midnight. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 5 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 89°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 54% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — severe thunderstorm watch issued july 18 at 4:33pm edt until july 18 at 9:00pm edt by nws baltimore md/washington dc
18 /100
skip
0 Swim
34 Sunbathe
7 Walk
24 Fossils
25 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Weather alert in effect
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 4:33PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 7:50AM EDT until July 18 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Atmosphere
Air Temp
89°F
Smoke
Wind
13 mph
SW
Rain
54%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 04 PM
Tomorrow
83°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
9:05 PM
1.5 ft · in 9m
Water Quality
Clean
25 cfu/100mL · Fecal Coliform
USGS · sampled 5mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:59 AM
Sunset
8:30 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:11 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:29 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 2:38 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:05 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:04 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:24 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 3:23 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:58 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:57 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:18 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 4:07 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 10:50 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:52 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 11:13 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 4:53 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 11:44 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:50 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 12:12 PM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 5:42 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:41 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 6:48 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 1:12 PM | High | 1.2 ft |
| 6:34 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:37 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 7:44 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 2:09 PM | High | 1.2 ft |
| 7:27 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8578853, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
83°
Mostly Sunny
10%
84
81°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
19%
82
83°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
73%
16
82°
Rain Showers Likely
66%
48
76°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
16%
77
79°
Sunny
7%
87
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
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 54% rain chance
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 89°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Small gravel lot on Wharf Rd. Easy to miss — look for the DNR sign.
Dogs
Leashed dogs permitted year-round.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Wharf Rd, Nanjemoy, MD 20662
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Purse State Park today?
Purse State 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 Purse State Park dog-friendly?
Leashed dogs permitted year-round.
Is there an entry fee at Purse State Park?
Entry to Purse State Park is free.
Are there lifeguards at Purse State Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Purse State Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Purse State Park?
Amenities at Purse State Park include trail to beach, fossil hunting.
When is the water warmest at Purse State Park?
The tidal Potomac peaks in late July and August at 78-82°F. Swimmable from mid-June into September.
Where is Purse State Park located?
Purse State Park is in Charles County, MD, at Wharf Rd, Nanjemoy, MD 20662.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS