Delaware and much of the Mid-Atlantic are preparing for a prolonged heat wave starting Monday morning and continuing through Tuesday evening.
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued heat advisories for Kent, Sussex, and coastal Delaware, as well as much of southern New Jersey and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Pennsylvania’s Carbon and Monroe counties are also under alert starting Sunday morning.
Heat index values are expected to reach up to 109°F, with overnight lows in the mid-70s to near 80°F, offering little relief. This sustained heat could make conditions even more dangerous, especially for vulnerable groups.
Intensifying Heat and High Humidity
In Dover, Georgetown, and Rehoboth Beach, temperatures will rise significantly by Monday afternoon, with Easton, Chestertown, and Centreville in Maryland facing similar conditions.
Even Stroudsburg and Jim Thorpe in Pennsylvania will start to heat up by Sunday, with high humidity making it feel even hotter through Tuesday.
Health and Safety Precautions
Health officials urge all residents to take the following precautions:
Stay indoors during peak heat hours (typically between noon and 4 p.m.).
Drink water frequently to stay hydrated.
Limit outdoor activity, especially strenuous physical work.
Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, young children, and those with health conditions, should be closely monitored during this heat wave. Public cooling centers may open in affected counties if conditions worsen.
Ongoing Heat Advisory and Potential for Further Warnings
The heat advisories will remain in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday, with additional warnings possible if temperatures rise further or power outages occur. Stay updated with local news and weather alerts for further developments.