DELMARVA - Sussex County residents are under an Extreme Heat Warning from late Monday night through 8 p.m. Wednesday, as a potentially historic heat wave grips the region with temperatures expected to soar into the triple digits.
According to the National Weather Service, a strong dome of hot, dry high pressure is building over the eastern U.S., pushing temperatures and heat indices to dangerous levels. The setup is "checking a lot of boxes," meteorologists say, for producing some of the hottest conditions the area has seen in over a decade.
Forecasts call for daytime highs on Tuesday to reach or exceed 100 degrees, while heat index values—the "feels-like" temperature when factoring in humidity—are expected to range from 100 to 110 degrees. Although humidity may dip slightly during peak afternoon heating, the west-to-northwest winds will contribute to downsloping effects, which can further intensify surface temperatures.
Overnight, there will be little to no relief, with lows struggling to drop below 75 or even 80 degrees in more urban and inland areas. The combination of prolonged high heat and limited overnight cooling raises the risk for heat-related illness, especially for vulnerable populations.
“We are looking at three consecutive days of temperatures over 95 degrees and nearly a full week of 90-plus-degree days,” forecasters said. “The cumulative effects of this heat could be severe if proper precautions aren't taken.”
The National Weather Service urges residents to:
Stay hydrated with plenty of water
Limit outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours
Seek air-conditioned environments whenever possible
Check on elderly neighbors, children, and pets
By Wednesday, conditions will remain dangerous, with highs in the mid to upper 90s and humidity pushing heat indices well past 100. Scattered thunderstorms may develop by late Wednesday into the evening as a cold front slowly approaches the region, potentially offering a reprieve from the heat by Thursday.
Heat headlines may be extended into Thursday for southern Delaware depending on how slowly the front moves through.
Bottom line: It’s dangerously hot, and everyone should take this seriously.