Mid-Atlantic Weather Watch: Isolated late-day thunderstorms, hot and humid (1, 2, 3); scattered late-day thunderstorms, quite humid (4, 5, 6, 7). Isolated late-day thunderstorms, very hot (8, 9, 10, 11, 12); late-day showers and thunderstorms, then slightly cooler but still humid (13, 14); dry, turning very hot (15, 16, 17, 18, 19); widespread late-day thunderstorms (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27); scattered thunderstorms, heavy rain (28, 29); 30, 31 dry, warm and Humid (30, 31).

Severe Weather Watch: The Town and Country Almanac sees severe thunderstorms, heavy rain (14); excessive heat (17, 18, 19); severe thunderstorms, heavy rain (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28).

Full Moon: July’s Full Moon will occur on Wednesday, July 13th. It has been often referred to by many Native American tribes as Thunder Moon because of the numerous thunderstorms during the month (see this month’s forecast above!), many quite severe in some areas. However, other tribes in other regions of The United States, called it BUCK MOON due the rapid growth of antlers on young bucks during the month, RIPE CORN MOON because of the appearance of young corn on the stalks, or HAY MOON since hay tended to ripen as well.

Special Notes: Watch out! Those Dog Days of Summer will be upon us starting Sunday, July 3rd. Get ready for some hot, hazy, and humid weather (the dreaded 3 H’s) that will continue into mid-August.

Holidays: This year’s Fourth of July celebration falls on Monday, July 4th! On this most famous day in United States History, in 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution saying, "These United Colonies are, and of right, ought to be, free and independent states". Hopefully, you have already ‘tried out’ the old grill this season. Nobody wants any surprises so it was wise to have made sure that it is functioning properly and you remembered to fill up the propane tank (or picked up plenty of charcoal and charcoal lighter fluid!). Now it’s time to enjoy! If planning extended outdoor, use the appropriate level of sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and apply frequently, especially if swimming or perspiring.

The Garden: Leggy annuals may need to be pruned back to encourage new growth and more flowering. Be sure that all tall annuals and perennials are securely staked so that they will remain upright during the afternoon thunderstorms that are so common for this time of year. During the dry summer months, remember to mow the lawn when it is high and mow less often. Taller grass withstands drought better because its blades shade the soil. Allow roses to rest in July and August. Do not fertilize, but continue spraying, and give them a light pruning in July to encourage new fall growth.

The Farm: Best for planting root crops (21, 22); weeding and stirring the soil (1, 2, 3, 28, 29); planting above-ground crops (8, 9); harvesting all crops (10, 11, 14, 15); the best days for setting hens and incubators (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20); the slaughtering and butchering of meat (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 28, 29, 30, 31); transplanting (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 28, 29, 30, 31); the weaning of all small animals and livestock (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17); harvesting and storing grains (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27).

J. Gruber’s Thought For Today’s Living:

"Do not regard liberty and freedom so lightly that you forget its value and take it for granted."