Wilmington, Del. –Gray skies and lingering haze are giving way to a far more dangerous weather setup across northern Delaware late this morning. Heavy rain and strong thunderstorms could quickly turn familiar roads into water-covered hazards, making today one of the busiest weather days of the week for Wilmington and surrounding communities.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, a Flood Watch remains in effect from 10 a.m. through late tonight for New Castle County and much of the surrounding Mid-Atlantic. Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected, with rainfall rates capable of producing 2 to 3 inches in as little as two hours, creating a heightened risk for flash flooding in urban neighborhoods, poor-drainage areas and along smaller streams.
Some thunderstorms could also become severe this afternoon. Damaging wind gusts are the primary concern, while an isolated tornado cannot be completely ruled out. Conditions may deteriorate quickly as storms organize later today, so residents should remain alert for rapidly changing warnings.
An additional Code Orange Air Quality Alert remains in effect for New Castle County. According to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, elevated particle pollution may become unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults and people with asthma or heart disease.
Travel conditions could worsen rapidly on Interstate 95, Interstate 295, Delaware Route 1 and Interstate 495 as heavy rain develops. Drivers should slow down, avoid flooded roadways and allow extra time for afternoon and evening trips. Never attempt to drive through standing water, as flood depths can be deceptive.
Weather improves significantly Sunday with mostly sunny skies and a high near 85 degrees. Monday remains warm and dry before another round of showers and thunderstorms returns Tuesday, bringing another opportunity for wet roads and brief travel delays.
Looking farther ahead, the Climate Prediction Center continues to favor above-normal temperatures across the Mid-Atlantic during the 6-to-10-day outlook, keeping a midsummer pattern in place.
Keep weather alerts enabled throughout the day, as Flash Flood Warnings or Severe Thunderstorm Warnings could be issued with little notice. If you’re traveling across northern Delaware today, what conditions are you seeing where you are?
Five-Day Forecast for Wilmington, Delaware
- Sunday: Mostly sunny with a high near 85°F. Northwest wind around 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.
- Monday: Sunny with a high near 85°F.
- Tuesday: Chance of showers, then showers likely and a possible afternoon thunderstorm. High near 82°F. 70% chance of rain.
- Wednesday: Showers likely with thunderstorms possible after 2 p.m. High near 86°F. 60% chance of rain.
- Thursday: Sunny with a high near 83°F, with above-normal temperatures favored across the region into late next week.
