You’re probably checking the forecast for Nottingham because you’ve got plans at White Marsh Mall or you're wondering if that storm rolling off the Chesapeake is going to ruin your commute down I-95.
Living here in the 21236 zip code means you’ve basically signed a contract with the Atlantic and the Bay. It’s a humid subtropical vibe that honestly keeps you on your toes. One day you’re wearing a light sweater while walking through Honeygo Run Regional Park, and by the next afternoon, you’re sweating through your shirt because the dew point decided to climb into the 70s.
The weather in Nottingham Maryland isn't just about whether it's raining or sunny. It’s about that specific Mid-Atlantic mix of "four seasons in one week" that local meteorologists like the folks at WBAL or WJZ are always trying to untangle.
The Summer Slog and That Famous Maryland Humidity
Let's be real. July in Nottingham can feel like walking through a warm, wet blanket. Because we're tucked just northeast of Baltimore, we get the full brunt of the urban heat island effect combined with moisture from the water.
Average highs in July usually hover around 88°F, but that number is a total lie. It doesn't account for the "real feel." When the humidity kicks in, the heat index frequently spikes well over 100°F. If you’re a gardener in the Perry Hall or Nottingham area, you’ve likely seen your hydrangeas literally give up by 2:00 PM.
Thunderstorms here are no joke either.
💡 You might also like: Finding Obituaries in Kalamazoo MI: Where to Look When the News Moves Online
They tend to pop up late in the afternoon. You’ll see the sky turn that weird bruised-purple color, and within twenty minutes, the streets are flooded. According to historical data from the National Weather Service, July is actually the wettest month for our area, averaging about 4.5 inches of rain. Most of that comes in short, violent bursts.
Why "Wait Five Minutes" Is Actually True Here
Spring and fall are the absolute sweet spots, but they're incredibly fickle.
In April, you might wake up to a crisp 44°F morning and be sitting in 70°F sunshine by lunch. It’s the kind of weather where you keep a light jacket in your trunk at all times. Honestly, if you aren't layering, you're doing it wrong.
- September and October: This is arguably the best time to be in Nottingham. The humidity finally breaks.
- The "False Spring": Beware of late February or early March. We often get a week of 65-degree weather that tricks the daffodils into blooming, only for a literal blizzard to hit ten days later.
- Late May: This is when the transition to "Summer Lite" happens. The temperatures average around 75°F, and the evenings are still cool enough for a fire pit.
What Really Happens When it Snows in Nottingham?
Winter in Maryland is... weird. Since we're situated on the "fall line"—the geological boundary between the Piedmont plateau and the Atlantic coastal plain—Nottingham often sits right on the "rain-snow line."
It’s the ultimate frustration.
📖 Related: Finding MAC Cool Toned Lipsticks That Don’t Turn Orange on You
You’ll see a forecast for six inches of snow, but because the temperature at the 21236 border is 33°F instead of 31°F, you just get eight hours of freezing, miserable slush. When we do get hit, it’s usually from a Nor'easter. These storms suck moisture up from the coast and dump it on us. January is typically our coldest month, with lows averaging around 26°F.
Historically, the big ones stay in your memory. Think back to the "Snowmageddon" events or the 2016 blizzard. For the most part, though, Nottingham winters are a cycle of gray skies, damp cold, and the occasional dusting that shuts down Baltimore County Public Schools for no reason.
Gardening and the Local Microclimate
The USDA updated its Plant Hardiness Zone Map recently, and much of the Nottingham area has shifted. We're firmly in Zone 7b now.
What does that mean for you?
It means our growing season is getting longer. I've noticed people in the neighborhood having success with plants that used to be a gamble, like certain types of crape myrtles or even fig trees that used to die back to the ground every winter.
👉 See also: Finding Another Word for Calamity: Why Precision Matters When Everything Goes Wrong
However, the "new" weather in Nottingham Maryland brings a different set of problems. Our springs are getting wetter and deeper, which can lead to root rot if your soil doesn't drain well—and let's be honest, we have a lot of that heavy Maryland clay around here.
Quick Seasonal Breakdown for 21236
- Hottest Month: July (Avg High 88°F)
- Coldest Month: January (Avg Low 26°F)
- Wettest Month: July (Thunderstorm peaks)
- Windiest Month: March (The transition from winter to spring)
- Annual Rain: About 45 inches
How to Handle the Nottingham Climate Like a Pro
If you’re new to the area or just trying to survive another season, there are a few local secrets. First, check the dew point, not just the temperature. If the dew point is over 65, stay inside if you can.
Second, if you're a homeowner, keep your gutters clean. Between the heavy summer downpours and the autumn leaves from our massive oak trees, clogged gutters are the #1 cause of basement flooding in the area.
Finally, prepare for the "gray period." From late November through March, the sky can stay overcast for what feels like weeks. It's not the arctic tundra, but it is damp. Investing in a high-quality raincoat is honestly more important than a heavy parka in this part of Maryland.
Your Next Steps for Navigating Nottingham’s Weather:
- Download a hyper-local app: Use something like Weather Underground that pulls data from personal weather stations (PWS) right in Nottingham or Perry Hall rather than just relying on the BWI Airport readings, which are often 5 degrees different.
- Audit your outdoor space: If you have low spots in your yard, consider a rain garden. With the increase in intense summer downpours, managed drainage is the best way to prevent your yard from becoming a swamp.
- Winterize early: Since our first frost usually hits in late October or early November, get your outdoor pipes drained and your sensitive plants mulched by the time the Ravens hit the mid-season mark.