Wilmington, Delaware – A shift toward milder conditions is expected across Delaware by Thursday as temperatures rise above freezing, setting off a mid-February thaw that could quickly change road conditions and daily travel statewide.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the 8–14 day outlook valid from Friday, February 13 through Thursday, February 19 favors above-normal temperatures across all of Delaware. Daytime highs are expected to climb into the upper 30s beginning Thursday, accelerating snowmelt on streets, sidewalks, and parking areas.
Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and coastal Sussex County all fall within the warmer-than-average signal, with overnight lows also trending closer to the freezing mark. While the reduced cold limits prolonged icing, it increases the risk of slush and standing water, particularly during early morning and evening commute hours.
Precipitation probabilities trend near to slightly above normal during this period, raising the potential for rain or a rain-snow mix as warmer air moves into the Mid-Atlantic. DelDOT notes that major routes including I-95, Route 1, Route 13, and Route 113 could see slick spots where melting snow drains poorly or refreezes after dark, especially on bridges and elevated ramps.
The milder pattern is expected to persist into the middle of next week. Residents are encouraged to stay alert for updated advisories, as additional short-term alerts may be issued if precipitation timing becomes clearer across Delaware.
