Wilmington, DE – Intense heat and humidity will grip the region through Thursday, creating dangerous conditions with heat index values expected to approach 99 degrees. A Heat Advisory remains active for communities from Wilmington to Philadelphia until 8 p.m. Thursday, prompting warnings for residents to take immediate precautions against the oppressive warmth.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, NJ, the combination of high temperatures and significant humidity will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. The advisory covers New Castle County in Delaware; Camden, Gloucester, and northwestern Burlington counties in New Jersey; and Delaware and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania. Everyone is urged to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned spaces, and avoid direct sun.
The most intense conditions are expected on Juneteenth and Thursday, with a new round of showers and thunderstorms possible Thursday afternoon before 8 p.m. and again after 11 p.m. On Friday, the area will see a brief break with sunny skies and a high near 88 degrees.
The weekend forecast shows a return to hot and mostly clear conditions. Saturday is expected to be sunny with a high near 90, followed by a partly cloudy Saturday night with a low around 72. Sunday will remain mostly sunny with a high reaching near 97 degrees. Looking ahead to early next week, the heat continues to build, with a high near 98 degrees expected on Monday.
Officials recommend limiting strenuous outdoor activities to the early morning or evening hours. Check on relatives and neighbors, especially the elderly and those without air conditioning.
Here is the five-day forecast for Wilmington:
- Juneteenth: Sunny, then showers likely after 2 PM. High 93°F.
- Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 11 PM. Low 68°F.
- Friday: Sunny. High 88°F.
- Saturday: Sunny. High 90°F.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny. High 97°F.
