Heat Advisory in Effect for Wilmington Today; Excessive Heat Watch Tomorrow

June 18, 2024

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and Emergency Management Director Willie Patrick have announced that the U.S. National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Wilmington, Delaware, starting today, Tuesday, June 18, at 10:00 a.m. The advisory will last until 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 19. Following this, an Excessive Heat Watch will be in place from 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday through 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, with potential impacts extending into Sunday, June 23.

**Heat Advisory and Excessive Heat Watch Details**

A Heat Advisory indicates that high temperatures and humidity will combine to create conditions where heat illnesses may occur. The National Weather Service forecasts a heat index of up to 98 degrees Fahrenheit for Tuesday. The Excessive Heat Watch, starting Wednesday, signifies the likelihood of extremely hot conditions with heat index values potentially reaching up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions could pose significant health risks during outdoor activities or extended exposure.

Mayor Purzycki cautioned residents, saying, “Summer is beginning with particularly intense and potentially hazardous heat. Please take steps to protect yourself, your family, and your pets.”

**Free Electric Fans for Eligible Seniors**

Eligible seniors in Wilmington can receive free electric fans through the Office of Constituent Services. The distribution will take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services, located on the 7th floor of the Redding Government Building at 800 North French Street. Fans will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

**Fan Eligibility Requirements:**

– Must reside within Wilmington city limits.

– Must be 65 years of age or older.

– Must present a valid state ID as proof of age and residency.

– Cannot have received a free fan in 2023.

Residents are advised against using electric fans when the outside temperature exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit, as this can lead to heat-related illnesses by creating a false sense of comfort without effectively cooling the body.

**Cooling Stations and Spray Parks Open**

City spray parks are now open, while swimming pools will open on Monday, June 24. For more information and schedules, visit the City of Wilmington website. The William “Hicks” Anderson Community Center at 501 North Madison Street will serve as a cooling station from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. throughout this week.

Additionally, The Resurrection Center at 3301 North Market Street is open from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. today and will remain available as a cooling center as needed throughout the week. The center offers cold water, lunch, snacks, and climate-related resources for all.

**Safety Tips for Extreme Heat**

Wilmington residents and visitors are encouraged to follow these safety tips during extreme heat:

– Check on neighbors, especially seniors, families with young children, people with special needs, or those living alone.

– Never leave children, the elderly, or pets unattended in parked cars, even briefly, as temperatures can rise rapidly and cause brain damage or death.

– Stay hydrated by drinking 1 to 1.5 quarts of water daily. Fruit juices are also good options, but avoid alcohol and caffeine as they dehydrate the body.

– Wear loose, light-colored clothing, and a hat when outside. Rest frequently in shady areas.

– Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. Reschedule outdoor activities to the early morning or evening and take frequent breaks.

– Stay in air-conditioned places like libraries, shopping malls, and community centers whenever possible.

– Recognize signs of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke. Move anyone affected to a cool place and call 9-1-1 in case of a heat stroke emergency.

For more details, visit the [City of Wilmington website] or [cdc.gov](https://www.cdc.gov).