Dangerous heat will give way to the threat of severe thunderstorms across Maryland on Thursday, with the heat index expected to reach about 102 degrees.
Maryland residents will see temperatures reach the low 90s, but it'll feel more like the low 100s due to the hot and humid conditions.
Officials urged the public to stay hydrated and to limit outdoor activity as the humidity persists.
The heat, however, isn't the only threat of the day.
The National Weather Service warned the chance for thunderstorms returns to the region in the afternoon, with storm cells sticking around through 11 p.m.
A hazardous weather outlook issued by the agency indicates much of the state could see strong to severe thunderstorms. Officials say damaging wind gusts are the main threat.
By the time the storms wrap up, temperatures are expected to plummet to the low 70s.
But don't expect that to be the last of the rain this week. NWS is forecasting additional chances for rain and thunderstorms through Saturday night. A brief two-day respite from the rain starts Sunday.
While weeks of inclement weather have prompted a mix of NWS alerts and tornado touchdowns, there is some good news: no part of the state is classified as being in extreme drought.
The latest findings released by the U.S. Drought Monitor also showed that areas designated in severe drought decreased to about 28%, a significant three-month decline from 90%.
Areas that continue to be listed in severe drought include much of the Eastern Shore, as well as Washington, Frederick, Carroll, Howard, Baltimore, Harford and Cecil counties.
The sole Maryland region not considered in a drought is Garrett County.
Today: Sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 102. Southwest wind 7 to 9 mph.
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 11 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday: A chance of thunderstorms after 5 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 102. Southwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Light southwest wind. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m., then a chance of showers between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 93.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tuesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Across Maryland Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.