Dangerous heat wave continues through Wednesday, cooler late week with rain chances increasing

DELMARVA -- The stretch of dangerously hot weather continues through Wednesday, as a ridge of high pressure over the western Atlantic pushes inland, continuing the heat wave across the region. Temperatures are forecast to be in the 90s around 100, with heat index values between 100 and 110 degrees across most inland areas this afternoon and evening.

The high-pressure ridge remains locked in across the east coast this afternoon. Although dew points may mix down slightly during peak heating, the heat and humidity combined will create sweltering conditions, particularly in southern portions of the peninsula. An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect through Wednesday, for the all of Delmarva, with the exception of the immediate coast. The combination of temperature and humidity will push heat indices to dangerous levels. Some interior areas could see feels like temperatures as hot as 115 later this afternoon. A Heat Advisory for the immediate coast, where temperatures will be a few degrees cooler.

The worst of the heat is expected today, as the atmospheric ridge strengthens. Overnight conditions will offer little relief, with lows in the upper 70s to near 80 degrees into Wednesday morning.

We could hit 100 degrees for the first time since July 21st, 2019, and with that we would break a record high temperature of 97 set back in 2010.

By Wednesday, the ridge will begin to shift southward and weaken slightly. Highs will remain in the mid to upper 90s with heat index values still near 101-106 degrees. Nonetheless, Wednesday will mark the fourth consecutive day of oppressive heat across Delmarva.

A change in the weather pattern arrives late in the week. As the upper-level ridge begins to erode, a surface trough will approach from the north. This will introduce increased cloud cover and the potential for scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially Thursday through the weekend. Some of these storms could be severe.

By Thursday, temperatures are forecast to fall into the upper 80s, much closer to seasonal normals. Rain chances remain elevated into the weekend, marking a return to a more typical summer pattern, with highs primarily in the mid to upper 80s.