DELMARVA - Sussex County will start Friday under calm and comfortable conditions following Thursday night’s round of intense storms. Drier air ushered in by a cold front will provide temporary relief from the recent heat and humidity, but forecasters warn the break won’t last long.
Friday morning begins with clear skies and lows in the low to mid-60s across the region. Thanks to high pressure settling south of the area, much of Friday will feature sunshine, mild temperatures, and low humidity. Highs are expected to top out in the low to mid-80s, offering one of the most comfortable days of the week.
However, changes begin to take shape by Friday night. As a strong ridge of high pressure builds eastward from the Tennessee Valley, both temperatures and humidity will rise. By Saturday, a warmer and more humid air mass will settle over the area. Afternoon highs will climb into the upper 80s to near 90 degrees, with dew points pushing into the mid-60s—bringing a noticeable return to summer-like conditions.
Forecasters are also monitoring a weak atmospheric disturbance expected to ride along the northern edge of the ridge late Saturday. While most of the organized storm activity is expected to remain north of the region, there is a low risk for isolated severe thunderstorms in northern Delaware and possibly into parts of Sussex County Saturday evening. If storms do develop, damaging winds and localized downpours would be the primary threats.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the more comfortable conditions Friday and prepare for another stretch of heat and humidity. Outdoor activities should be planned with caution Saturday, especially during the hottest parts of the afternoon and early evening when conditions will feel oppressive.