DELMARVA -Â Dangerous heat and humidity will continue across Delmarva today with Air Quality Alerts in effect across the peninsula.
It's a very warm and muggy start with temperatures only in the mid to upper upper 70s. A mainly dry cold front will cross Delmarva this morning and begin carrying smoke from wildfires in western Ontario into the region. If you suffer from respiratory issues, it's best to stay inside with filtered air.
Anyone spending time outside should take frequent breaks, drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the afternoon. Children and pets should never be left inside parked vehicles.
Smoky and hazy conditions are expected Thursday and Thursday night, with the smoke possibly lingering into Friday or Saturday. A Code Orange is in effect for Thursday. The smoke could reduce visibility and worsen air quality, although the severity of the event remains uncertain. Current projections suggest it will not be as significant as the widespread smoke event experienced in June 2023.
Wildfire smoke could limit daytime heating somewhat Thursday, but temperatures are still expected to reach the mid to upper 90s. Heat index values could again climb into the lower 100s. An isolated thunderstorm is possible late in the day, although most of Delmarva should remain dry.
Some relief from the humidity is expected Friday as drier air moves southward. Temperatures will remain hot, however, with highs in the low to mid-90s. Most of the daytime hours should remain dry before showers and thunderstorms begin increasing Friday night.
The weekend is expected to turn active and unsettled as another cold front moves into Delmarva. Showers and thunderstorms will become more widespread Saturday and could continue Sunday.
Some weekend storms could produce damaging winds and torrential rainfall. Atmospheric moisture levels are expected to climb well above normal, increasing the possibility of localized flash flooding where storms repeatedly move over the same communities.
The timing of the front remains uncertain. Conditions could begin improving later Sunday if the front moves offshore quickly, but showers and thunderstorms may continue into Monday if it stalls near Delmarva.
