DELMARVA - A surge of summer-like heat and humidity will settle over Sussex County starting early Wednesday, bringing with it the risk of severe thunderstorms that could disrupt evening plans both Wednesday and Thursday.
Wednesday morning may begin with patchy fog and lingering moisture as a warm front pushes north of the region. As skies clear by midday, temperatures will climb into the mid to upper 80s. Combined with dew points in the 70s, heat index values may reach between 90 and 100 degrees, creating a stifling atmosphere across inland areas.
By the afternoon, isolated thunderstorms could develop, fueled by strong surface heating and a passing upper-level disturbance. While widespread severe weather is not expected, any storms that form could produce heavy downpours and damaging wind gusts. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the area under a Marginal risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe weather.
Thursday is expected to be even hotter, with actual highs nearing 90 to 92 degrees and heat indices topping 100 in some inland communities. The heat and humidity will set the stage for more widespread and potentially severe thunderstorms later in the day as a cold front approaches from the west. Storms are most likely between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. and may feature damaging winds, large hail, and torrential rain. Forecast models suggest moderate to high instability and wind shear — a recipe for a few stronger storms to develop across the Delmarva.
Once the front pushes offshore late Thursday night, Friday will offer a noticeable shift. Sunshine returns and humidity drops, with afternoon highs settling comfortably in the low to mid-80s and a breeze from the west. The drier, more pleasant air mass is expected to stick around into the weekend.