Delaware will see more hot weather this week.
The forecast for Monday and Tuesday calls for extreme heat with temperatures approaching 100 in the Wilmington area. forecast continues until at least 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
The National Weather Service warned that the conditions can lead to an increased risk of heat-related fatalities for at-risk populations. Dangerously high heat indices will range from 105-109.
The Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for New Castle County until 8 p.m. Monday, with a Heat Advisory in effect for Kent and inland Sussex County through 8 p.m. Monday,
With an unusually strong “ridge” of high pressure overhead, conditions will be stagnant, with no chance for afternoon showers or thunderstorms.
Monday will be almost as hot as Sunday, with sunny skies and light winds.
Tuesday will be more of the same with high temperatures dropping down to the low-to-mid-90s.
Surface winds will become onshore (southeasterly), but will remain very light, so another day of low-end USG ozone is likely for locations in New Castle County along I-95. Moderate particle concentrations will persist.
The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services suggested the following:
- Carry water with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks containing sugar, alcohol, or caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
- Stay indoors when possible and on the lowest floor possible. When outdoors, wear sunscreen with SPF 15+; sunburns slow the skin’s ability to cool itself and increase the risk of skin cancer.
- Check in on family members and neighbors, especially seniors, people with disabilities and individuals with underlying health conditions.
- Limit outdoor activity, especially mid-day when the sun is hottest. Work out early in the morning or in the early evening. Don’t leave anyone, including pets, alone in a parked car, even for a minute. Call 911 if you see a child, pet, or someone unable to open a door or window left unattended in a vehicle.
- Keep your car locked when you’re not in it so children don’t get in on their own.
- Make sure animals have access to shade and water when outside. The best place for pets in hot temperatures is inside the home. The best time of day to walk dogs in summer months is in the early morning or late evening when the sun’s heat is not as intense.
