The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for New Castle County starting Thursday, as intense heat is expected to affect the region. The advisory will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday and last until 8 p.m. on Friday.
“It’s going to be hot and humid with heat indexes above 100,” stated Mike Gorse, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service’s Mount Holly, New Jersey office. “It’s through Friday, but it may need to be extended through Saturday.”
Currently, Kent and Sussex counties are not under the advisory, but that could change later.
“We will re-evaluate it later today, but the criteria are higher as you go south,” Gorse added.
Understanding Heat Advisories
The National Weather Service identifies four types of heat-related advisories:
1. Excessive heat outlooks: Issued when there is potential for excessive heat within the next three to seven days, giving people time to prepare.
2. Heat advisory: Issued within 12 hours of extreme heat conditions. Typically, the heat index will be above 100 degrees and nighttime temperatures will not drop below 75 degrees, though criteria vary by region.
3. Excessive heat watch: Issued when conditions are favorable for excessive heat within the next 24 to 72 hours.
4. Excessive heat warning: Issued within 12 hours of extremely dangerous heat conditions.
Staying Safe in the Heat
To stay safe during extreme temperatures, consider the following tips:
– Drink plenty of fluids.
– Stay in air-conditioned rooms.
– Avoid direct sun exposure.
– Check on relatives and neighbors.
– Take extra precautions if you need to spend time outside.
– Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
– Limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
– Be alert for symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Is July Hotter Than Normal?
While this summer seems hotter than usual, Gorse indicated that July is only about a degree higher than normal. An early summer heat wave in June may be contributing to the perception of increased heat.
Weather Forecast for Delaware
New Castle County:
– Wednesday: Highs in the low 90s, sunny skies, 20% chance of rain.
– Thursday: Hot and humid with highs in the mid-90s, 30% chance of scattered storms in the afternoon.
– Friday: Highs in the lower 90s, 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
– Weekend: Partly sunny with highs in the mid- to upper-80s, chance of rain.
Kent County:
– Wednesday: Highs in the lower 90s.
– Thursday: Sunny with highs in the mid-90s.
– Friday: Partly sunny with highs in the lower 90s, 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
– Weekend: Partly sunny with highs in the upper 80s, chance of showers and storms.
Sussex County:
– Wednesday: Sunny with highs in the lower 90s.
– Thursday: Sunny with highs in the mid-90s.
– Friday: Mostly sunny with a 40% chance of afternoon showers and storms.
– Weekend: Sunny with highs in the upper 80s, 50% chance of rain.
Delaware Beaches:
– Wednesday: Highs in the upper 80s.
– Thursday: Mostly sunny with highs in the 90s.
– Friday: Mostly sunny with a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, highs in the upper 80s.
– Weekend: Partly to mostly sunny with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Tropical Storm Forecast
A disturbed weather area has formed in the central Atlantic Ocean, potentially developing into a tropical depression by the weekend. If it reaches 39 mph winds, it will be named Tropical Storm Debby, the fourth named storm of an expectedly active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.
The storm has a 60% chance of forming and could move around Florida. However, it is too early to determine if it will affect the East Coast. Gorse advises the public to keep an eye on forecasts and stay informed on the storm’s progress.