Wilmington, DE – Scorching heat and flash flooding threaten to upend Tuesday plans across Delaware, as Wilmington braces for a double shot of extreme summer weather. With heat index values soaring to 103 degrees by mid-afternoon and the risk of rapid flooding from heavy rain, safety is the top concern for both residents and travelers—especially those navigating Route 13.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, a Heat Advisory and a Flood Watch remain in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 8. The Heat Advisory covers New Castle County and the Wilmington area, warning of hazardous temperatures between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. At the same time, the Flood Watch extends across northern Delaware, including Wilmington, Dover, and the Route 13 corridor, with downpours and thunderstorms expected to dump one to two inches of rain—locally up to five inches in some spots. Commuters should be ready for waterlogged roads, sudden slowdowns, and poor visibility throughout the day.
City services and emergency officials urge everyone to avoid unnecessary travel during peak heat and heavy rain, check on vulnerable neighbors, and never drive through flooded roadways. Residents should stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and plan to spend time indoors, especially during the afternoon. If power outages occur, charge devices and have backup lighting ready. Flood-prone streets in Wilmington—especially low-lying underpasses and Route 13 intersections—could become impassable in minutes.
This is Wilmington’s most dangerous heat-and-flood combo so far this summer, matching patterns seen during previous Mid-Atlantic tropical systems. All residents are encouraged to monitor weather alerts throughout the day.
Next up: Storms will taper off late Tuesday, but showers and thunderstorms remain possible Wednesday through Saturday. Stay alert for any new advisories.
Five-Day Forecast for Wilmington, DE
- Tuesday [92°/74°]: Sunny, hot, then storms and showers likely. Heat index near 103°. Flash flooding risk through 8 PM.
- Wednesday [90°/72°]: Showers likely, thunderstorms possible after 2 PM. Stay weather-aware during afternoon commutes.
- Thursday [87°/71°]: More storms and showers. Rain possible late.
- Friday [88°/73°]: Thunderstorms remain likely.
- Saturday [87°/73°]: Continued chance of storms. Humid, with summer heat lingering.
