Category: Weather

Weather officials issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the region on March 16th, alerting residents to dangerous weather conditions moving through the area.

The National Weather Service office located in Mount Holly, New Jersey released the warning at 10:32 PM on March 16th, with the alert scheduled to remain active until 11:00 PM that same evening.

The 28-minute warning window provided residents with advance notice of the approaching severe weather system that posed potential threats to the region during the late evening hours.

Delaware residents will have the opportunity to learn about flood preparedness next week as the state observes its annual flood awareness initiative.

Governor Matt Meyer has officially designated March 16 through 20 as Delaware Flood Awareness Week, working in partnership with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA).

As part of the week-long educational campaign, state officials will host a special webinar on Wednesday, March 19, 2026, focused on helping Delawareans prepare for potential flooding situations.

The collaborative effort between DNREC and DEMA aims to increase public awareness about flood risks and provide residents with essential information on how to protect themselves and their property during flood events.

Weather officials have put a coastal flood advisory into effect for the Delmarva Peninsula, beginning Saturday, March 16th at 3:15 PM and continuing through 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 17th.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey issued the advisory to alert residents of potential minor coastal flooding conditions along shoreline areas.

Residents in coastal communities should remain aware of possible flooding in low-lying areas near the water during this time period.

Delaware transportation officials are warning drivers about significant flooding that has made Airport Road impassable in both directions.

According to the Delaware Department of Transportation, standing water has covered the roadway between Exit 5A and Meadow Road, creating hazardous driving conditions.

Motorists are advised to find alternate routes and avoid the flooded area until conditions improve and the water recedes.

DelDOT continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as road conditions change.

Weather officials have issued a tornado watch for the region, urging residents to remain vigilant for dangerous weather conditions through early evening hours.

The National Weather Service office located in Mount Holly, New Jersey activated the tornado watch at 4:41 PM on March 16th, with the alert remaining in effect until 7:00 PM the same day.

A tornado watch indicates that atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes. Residents should monitor weather conditions closely and be prepared to take shelter if warnings are upgraded or tornado activity is spotted in their area.

The weather service recommends having a safety plan in place and staying tuned to local weather updates throughout the duration of the watch period.

Weather officials have issued a wind advisory for the Delmarva region that will remain in effect from Saturday afternoon through the early morning hours of Sunday.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey announced the advisory at 11:39 AM on Saturday, March 16th, with the warning period extending until 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 17th.

Residents across Delaware and the Eastern Shore should prepare for strong wind conditions that may impact outdoor activities and travel plans throughout the advisory period.

Local authorities encourage people to secure loose outdoor items and exercise caution when driving, especially in high-profile vehicles that may be more susceptible to wind effects.

Weather officials have issued a tornado watch for Delaware and surrounding areas, alerting residents to potentially dangerous conditions developing this afternoon.

The National Weather Service office located in Mount Holly, New Jersey activated the tornado watch at 11:30 AM on March 16th, with the alert scheduled to remain active until 7:00 PM the same day.

A tornado watch indicates that atmospheric conditions are favorable for tornado development in the specified region. Residents should monitor weather conditions closely and be prepared to take shelter if a tornado warning is issued.

Local emergency management officials encourage Delaware residents to stay informed about changing weather conditions throughout the day and have a safety plan ready in case severe weather develops.

Rehoboth Beach officials are closely tracking dangerous weather conditions expected to hit the coastal community this afternoon through tonight. The approaching storm system threatens to bring destructive winds, hail, and potentially tornado activity to the area.

City leaders are urging everyone in the community to take immediate safety precautions:

Residents and businesses should bring in or tie down any loose items including patio umbrellas, outdoor seating, and garbage containers. Those away from home are encouraged to ask neighbors to move trash bins away from curbside areas.

Officials recommend charging electronic devices now and gathering flashlights in preparation for potential electrical outages.

All beach and water recreational activities have been banned due to expected dangerous surf conditions created by the high winds.

People should stay away from the shoreline entirely, as the rough waters may cause significant beach erosion.

Drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution on roadways and never attempt to cross flooded streets.

Should electrical service be disrupted in Rehoboth Beach, the Convention Center will serve as a public shelter on Tuesday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, offering device charging stations and warmth for residents. While the Emmert Auction will proceed as scheduled, conference rooms will be available for community members who need them.

City maintenance teams are actively preparing for the storm’s impact:

Beyond today’s regular trash collection on the south side of town, three additional trucks are working to clear branches and debris from streets before the winds arrive. Residents worried about loose branches can secure them until the scheduled yard waste pickup on Wednesday.

Tuesday’s planned trash collection for the north side remains on schedule, though officials will notify residents of any changes.

City officials promise to provide updates as weather conditions develop.

For detailed weather information, residents can check the Philadelphia/Mt Holly National Weather Service. Delmarva’s power outage tracking map is available online for monitoring electrical service disruptions.

Dense fog has settled across Delaware, creating hazardous visibility conditions for motorists throughout the state, according to transportation officials.

The fog has developed with different levels of thickness in various locations across Delaware, prompting concerns about driving safety during the reduced visibility conditions.

Drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution when traveling and to reduce speeds when encountering areas where the fog has significantly limited visibility on roadways.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey has issued a coastal flood advisory affecting Delaware’s coastal regions, beginning Saturday, March 16 at 4:20 AM and continuing until Sunday, March 17 at 2:00 AM.

Weather forecasters are warning residents and visitors in coastal Delaware to prepare for potential minor flooding in vulnerable low-lying areas during this timeframe.

The advisory covers shoreline communities where tidal conditions and weather patterns may combine to create flooding concerns over the weekend period.

Residents in affected coastal zones should monitor conditions closely and take appropriate precautions during the advisory period.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey has issued a wind advisory that went into effect at 2:27 AM on Saturday, March 16th and will remain active until 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 17th.

Local residents should prepare for strong wind conditions throughout the advisory period. The weather service is warning of potentially hazardous winds that could impact outdoor activities and travel plans.

Those with weekend outdoor plans should monitor conditions closely and take appropriate precautions. Loose objects should be secured, and drivers should exercise extra caution, especially in high-profile vehicles.

The advisory covers the region under the Mount Holly forecast office jurisdiction. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on current conditions as the weather situation develops.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey has issued a wind advisory for the region that took effect at 2:27 AM on Saturday, March 16th and will remain in place until 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 17th.

Meteorologists are warning residents to prepare for strong wind conditions that could impact outdoor activities and travel throughout the weekend. The advisory covers areas under the jurisdiction of the Mount Holly forecast office.

Residents are advised to secure any loose outdoor items and exercise caution when driving, especially in high-profile vehicles. The windy conditions are expected to persist for approximately 24 hours before subsiding early Sunday morning.

Delaware Department of Transportation officials have implemented temporary speed reductions along Interstate 495 as rainfall creates potentially hazardous driving conditions throughout the area.

The speed limit has been lowered to 55 miles per hour on the major highway as a safety precaution while wet weather persists. Transportation authorities routinely adjust speed limits during adverse weather events to help prevent accidents and protect motorists.

Drivers traveling on I-495 should expect the reduced speed limits to remain in effect until weather conditions improve and roadways are deemed safe for normal traffic speeds.

DelDOT encourages all motorists to exercise extra caution when driving in wet conditions, maintain safe following distances, and adjust their speed according to road conditions regardless of posted limits.

A potentially dangerous severe weather outbreak is expected to unfold Monday across parts of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, including Virginia, Maryland, and the Delmarva Peninsula. Forecasters warn that conditions may support widespread severe thunderstorms capable of producing destructive winds and tornadoes, some of which could be strong.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed portions of the region in a Moderate Risk (Level 4 of 5) for severe thunderstorms. This level of risk is relatively uncommon and indicates a higher likelihood of significant severe weather, including the potential for strong tornadoes and widespread damaging wind events.

Powerful Storm System Moving Into the East

The severe threat will be driven by a powerful storm system developing over the central United States. An expansive upper-level trough stretching from the Midwest into the southern Plains will rapidly intensify as it moves northeast toward the Appalachian Mountains. At the surface, a deep area of low pressure over the Great Lakes will track into eastern Canada while dragging a sharp cold front across the eastern United States.

Ahead of this cold front, warm and humid air will surge northward along the East Coast. Dew points climbing into the mid to upper 60s will provide ample moisture for thunderstorm development, while strong winds throughout the atmosphere will create an environment favorable for organized severe storms.

Tornadoes and Damaging Winds Possible

Across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, thunderstorms are expected to develop along and ahead of the advancing cold front during the day Monday. Some storms may initially form as discrete supercells, which are capable of producing large hail and tornadoes, including the potential for strong tornadoes.

As the afternoon progresses, storms are expected to organize into a line of thunderstorms, often referred to as a quasi-linear convective system (QLCS). This type of storm structure can produce widespread damaging wind gusts, while still maintaining the potential for embedded tornadoes within the line.

Strong winds just above the surface will enhance the rotation potential within storms. Even with only modest instability, these strong wind fields could allow storms to intensify quickly and produce severe weather across a large portion of the region.

Mid-Atlantic Threat Developing During the Afternoon

Farther north into Virginia, Maryland, and nearby areas, the amount of instability remains somewhat uncertain due to possible cloud cover and earlier precipitation. However, even relatively weak instability combined with very strong wind shear may still be sufficient to support severe thunderstorms.

Storms are expected to organize into a broad line extending from parts of New York and Pennsylvania southward through Virginia and North Carolina during the midday and afternoon hours. Within this line, embedded rotating storms could produce tornadoes and pockets of intense wind damage.

Severe Threat May Diminish Near the Coast by Evening

As the line of storms pushes east toward the Atlantic coastline Monday evening, the severe threat may gradually weaken as storms interact with cooler marine air near the coast. However, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes could still occur before the storms move offshore around sunset.

Preparedness Encouraged

With the potential for widespread severe weather, residents across the region should remain alert to changing conditions Monday. Multiple rounds of storms may occur, and warnings could be issued with little lead time if tornadoes develop.

Make sure you have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and be prepared to take shelter quickly if severe thunderstorms or tornado warnings are issued.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey has issued a wind advisory affecting the region, beginning Friday, March 15 at 12:47 PM and remaining in effect until Sunday, March 17 at 2:00 AM.

This extended wind advisory spans nearly 38 hours, indicating sustained periods of strong winds that could impact outdoor activities and potentially cause property damage.

Residents are advised to secure loose outdoor items and exercise caution when driving, particularly in high-profile vehicles. The advisory suggests winds will be strong enough to warrant official notification from meteorologists.

The weather service typically issues wind advisories when sustained winds or frequent gusts pose a threat to people and property, though conditions are not expected to reach warning levels.

A rapidly strengthening storm system is expected to bring the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms across portions of the Mid-Atlantic on Monday, including parts of Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia.

We are closely watching the evolving setup, which could lead to a volatile day of severe weather across the eastern United States, particularly from the Carolinas northward into the Mid-Atlantic.

The storm system will begin organizing this weekend as low pressure develops on the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains. As the system strengthens and lifts northeast toward the Great Lakes, the upper-level trough associated with it is expected to turn negatively tilted, a configuration that often signals a strengthening storm system.

By Monday morning, a warm front is forecast to lift north through the Mid-Atlantic, placing much of the region into the warm sector of the storm. This will allow warmer temperatures and increasing humidity to spread northward, with dew points rising into the 60s as southerly winds transport a deep plume of moisture into the region.

At the same time, the atmosphere will become increasingly dynamic. Forecast guidance shows strong height falls aloft and a powerful upper-level jet stream positioned over the Mid-Atlantic. These ingredients will help promote rising motion in the atmosphere and the development of thunderstorms.

While atmospheric instability may be somewhat limited due to cloud cover and early-day showers, the strength of the wind fields and large-scale dynamics could compensate for that limitation. Strong low-level wind shear ahead of the approaching cold front may allow thunderstorms to organize quickly Monday afternoon and evening.

The primary threat with these storms will be strong to damaging wind gusts, though a few tornadoes cannot be ruled out, especially if individual storms are able to form ahead of the main line of convection.

Scattered to widespread severe storms are possible across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic on Monday. The corridor with the greatest potential for more significant severe weather currently appears to extend from South Carolina northward into Maryland, placing parts of the Mid-Atlantic near the northern edge of the higher-risk zone.

SPC Forecasters also note that this could become a very volatile severe weather day, and portions of the region from South Carolina to Maryland may even warrant an upgrade to a Level 4 Moderate Risk in later outlooks if confidence increases in the severe storm setup.

Storm modes could include a mix of discrete supercells ahead of the front as well as a fast-moving squall line. Embedded circulations within the line could enhance the tornado threat as storms move east toward the coastal plain.

In addition to the severe weather threat, the system will also bring the potential for periods of heavy rainfall. Precipitable water values are forecast to climb between 1.1 and 1.4 inches, which is above the 90th percentile for early March. While widespread flooding is not currently expected, locally heavy rain could lead to quick rises on small streams and rivers.

We will continue to refine the forecast in the coming days as the timing of the cold front and the amount of daytime heating become clearer. These factors will play a key role in determining how intense the storms become.

Residents across the Mid-Atlantic should stay weather aware on Monday and be prepared for the possibility of rapidly changing weather conditions during the afternoon and evening hours.

Weather officials have issued a dense fog advisory for the region, warning residents of significantly reduced visibility conditions.

The National Weather Service office located in Mount Holly, New Jersey released the advisory on Saturday, March 9th at 7:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time. The warning will remain active until Sunday morning, March 10th at 10:00 AM EDT.

Motorists should exercise extreme caution when traveling during the advisory period, as thick fog can create hazardous driving conditions with visibility dropping to dangerously low levels.

Emergency crews are managing a road closure on Snuff Mill Road after a tree fell across the roadway, bringing down power lines with it.

The affected stretch runs from Jenny Lane to Old Kennett Road, where traffic is currently being rerouted by personnel working at the scene.

Drivers in the area should expect delays and follow directions from emergency responders who are directing traffic around the blockage.

No timeline has been provided for when the roadway will reopen as crews work to clear the fallen tree and address the downed electrical wires.

A potent storm system is expected to bring the potential for severe thunderstorms across the Mid Atlantic on Monday, including portions of the Delmarva Peninsula. Forecasters are becoming increasingly concerned about the risk for significant damaging winds as a powerful cold front sweeps east through the region.

The setup begins with a deep upper level trough moving out of the Mississippi Valley and toward the Great Lakes on Monday. As this system strengthens, surface low pressure will deepen while tracking north through the Great Lakes into Canada. Trailing behind the system, a strong cold front will move toward the East Coast and is expected to cross the Mid Atlantic Monday afternoon and evening.

Ahead of the front, strong southerly winds will transport warm and increasingly humid air into the region. A warm front lifting north will allow temperatures to climb into the 60s across much of the area, with some locations potentially reaching the lower 70s. At the same time, dew points will surge toward 60 degrees, creating a more unstable and moisture rich environment ahead of the approaching cold front.

Showers are expected to develop Sunday night into Monday as warm air advection increases across the region. These showers will likely become more widespread through the day Monday as the large scale storm system approaches. Even with cloud cover and showers potentially limiting instability, the atmosphere will feature very strong wind fields capable of supporting organized severe storms.

The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted the potential for an enhancement of significant damaging winds across portions of the Mid Atlantic on Monday. Forecast models show extremely strong winds just above the surface, with winds at around 5,000 feet reaching 50 to 70 knots. When thunderstorms develop along the cold front, these winds could be transported down to the surface, producing corridors of damaging wind gusts.

In addition to the wind threat, the overall wind shear profile will be very favorable for storm organization. Forecast soundings show strong turning of winds with height, which may allow storms to rotate. If storms develop ahead of the cold front in the warm sector during the afternoon, a few supercells could form. These storms would have the potential to produce isolated tornadoes, especially from the Carolinas into eastern Virginia before moving northward.

The most likely severe weather scenario, however, involves a fast moving squall line developing along or just ahead of the cold front during the afternoon and evening. This line of storms could produce widespread damaging wind gusts, with embedded tornadoes also possible due to the intense low level wind shear.

Heavy rainfall will also accompany the storms as deep moisture moves northward into the region, with atmospheric moisture values climbing above one inch of precipitable water.

Once the cold front passes Monday night, conditions will change quickly. Much colder air will surge into the region on gusty northwest winds, bringing temperatures back closer to seasonal levels for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Delaware drivers are being urged to exercise extreme caution this morning as thick fog has settled across the First State, creating hazardous driving conditions with reduced visibility.

The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that dense fog with varying levels of intensity has been spotted throughout all three counties, prompting officials to issue a travel advisory for motorists.

Visibility conditions are fluctuating across different areas of the state, making it difficult for drivers to see clearly on roadways. Transportation officials recommend reducing speed, increasing following distance, and using low-beam headlights when navigating through the foggy conditions.

Drivers should allow extra time for their commute and consider delaying non-essential travel until visibility improves. The fog is expected to impact morning travel times as commuters head to work and school.

Winter weather conditions are impacting New Castle County as snowfall with different levels of intensity has been reported throughout the area.

Delaware Department of Transportation officials are urging drivers to exercise extra caution while traveling on county roads during the ongoing snow event.

The varying degrees of snowfall intensity across different parts of New Castle County may create unpredictable driving conditions for motorists.

Residents are encouraged to allow additional travel time and maintain safe following distances while the winter weather persists in the region.

Delaware Department of Transportation officials have implemented reduced speed limits on Interstate 495, bringing the maximum allowable speed down to 55 miles per hour due to adverse weather conditions affecting the area.

The temporary speed reduction has been put in place as a safety measure for motorists traveling along the highway during current weather patterns impacting the region.

Drivers are advised to exercise caution and follow the posted speed limits while traveling on I-495 until conditions improve and normal speed limits are restored.

A strong storm system moving from the Mississippi Valley toward the East Coast could bring the potential for severe thunderstorms across parts of the Mid Atlantic on Monday.

Ahead of an approaching cold front, warm and humid air will surge northward with dew points climbing into the 60s. At the same time, strong southwesterly winds throughout the atmosphere will overspread the region, creating favorable conditions for organized thunderstorms.

The primary threat appears to be a line of thunderstorms developing along the advancing cold front, which could produce damaging wind gusts as it moves east through the region. Even though atmospheric instability may remain somewhat limited, the strength of the storm system and strong forcing along the front could still support severe weather.

There is also a more uncertain risk for isolated supercell thunderstorms ahead of the main line, particularly across parts of eastern Virginia and North Carolina where low level wind shear may be enhanced.

The Storm Prediction Center have highlighted portions of the Mid Atlantic with a 15 percent severe weather risk Monday, mainly due to the potential for damaging winds with the line of storms. Cloud cover and early day showers may limit instability, which could affect the overall severity of the storms.

A dramatic change in the weather is unfolding across the Delmarva region today as a strong cold front moves offshore, bringing gusty winds, falling temperatures, and the potential for rain to mix with wet snow later in the day.

The region began the morning unusually warm, with temperatures starting in the 60s and even low 70s in some areas. However, strong cold air advection behind the departing cold front is causing temperatures to steadily fall through the day. Readings will drop through the 50s and 40s during the morning before settling into the mid to upper 30s by this afternoon.

Periods of showers are expected early today. As the atmosphere continues to cool, an area of additional moisture will develop behind the front as a disturbance rides along the temperature boundary offshore. This will cause rain to expand across much of the region through the late morning and afternoon hours.

As colder air deepens across the Mid-Atlantic, rain may begin mixing with wet snow, and in some places could briefly change over to all snow during the afternoon. This scenario is most likely near and southeast of the I-95 corridor, which includes much of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

If a band of stronger lift develops later this afternoon, precipitation could briefly intensify. This would allow the atmosphere to cool more quickly and may lead to a faster transition from rain to snow for a short period.

Despite the possibility of wet snow, little to no accumulation is expected. The recent stretch of record warmth has left ground temperatures elevated, and air temperatures during the day will remain above freezing. At most, minor slushy accumulation could briefly occur on grassy or elevated surfaces during heavier bursts of precipitation, while roads should remain mainly wet. But the chances of that are quite low.

In addition to the falling temperatures, winds will become quite gusty behind the front. Strong mixing in the atmosphere will allow winds to gust between 30 and 40 mph at times today, especially during the morning hours immediately behind the frontal passage. These winds will add to the chill as temperatures continue to fall through the afternoon.

By late day, wind chills are expected to drop into the upper 20s to low 30s, creating a sharp contrast from the mild conditions experienced just yesterday. In fact, temperatures this afternoon will be roughly 40 to 50 degrees colder than yesterday afternoon across parts of the region.

Precipitation should taper off from west to east by late afternoon into early evening as the system pulls away. Skies may begin to clear tonight, although a few lingering snow showers cannot be ruled out in parts of northeastern Pennsylvania.

Temperatures tonight will fall into the upper 20s across much of the region as winds gradually diminish, bringing a cold end to what began as a very mild start to the day.

Weather officials have issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the region this evening, warning residents to stay alert for potentially dangerous weather conditions.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey, issued the watch at 8:47 PM today, with the advisory remaining in effect until 11:00 PM tonight.

Residents are advised to monitor local weather conditions and be prepared to take shelter if severe thunderstorms develop in their area. The watch indicates that atmospheric conditions are favorable for the formation of severe thunderstorms.

Those in the affected areas should stay tuned to local weather updates and have a plan in place should conditions deteriorate rapidly.

Delaware Department of Transportation officials have temporarily reduced the speed limit on Interstate 495 to 55 miles per hour due to current weather conditions affecting the roadway.

The speed restriction is now in effect as weather-related conditions have made driving conditions hazardous along the interstate corridor. DelDOT implemented the reduced speed limit as a safety precaution for motorists traveling through the area.

Drivers are urged to exercise additional caution while navigating I-495 and to adjust their driving speeds according to the temporary posted limits. The speed reduction will remain in place until weather conditions improve and normal driving conditions return to the interstate.

Motorists should allow extra travel time and maintain safe following distances while the temporary speed restriction is active.

Weather officials have issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the region, alerting residents to potentially dangerous storm conditions developing this evening.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey issued the watch at 7:03 PM today, with the alert remaining in effect until 11:00 PM tonight.

During a severe thunderstorm watch, conditions are favorable for the development of storms that could produce damaging winds, large hail, and dangerous lightning. Residents are advised to stay alert and monitor local weather conditions throughout the evening.

The weather service recommends having a plan in place and being ready to take shelter if severe weather develops in your area.

A strong cold front moving through the region early Thursday morning will bring a dramatic change in the weather across the Delmarva Peninsula, replacing the recent warmth with gusty winds and much colder temperatures through the day.

Behind the cold front, a surge of colder air will rapidly move in from the west. Temperatures will start the day relatively mild early Thursday morning, but readings will steadily fall throughout the day as the colder air takes hold. Many areas across Delmarva are expected to drop from the 50s during the morning into the 40s by the afternoon.

As the front moves offshore, a small disturbance riding along the boundary may produce a few additional showers across the region during the morning and early afternoon. Some forecast models suggest the possibility of rain briefly mixing with wet snow before ending, particularly as colder air deepens in the atmosphere. However, this scenario may be overdone as much drier air quickly moves in behind the front.

With the incoming dry air likely to shut down precipitation fairly quickly, any lingering showers should taper off from west to east through the day. Even if a brief rain and snow mix were to occur, temperatures will remain above freezing, meaning no snow accumulation is expected.

The most noticeable change on Thursday will likely be the wind. Strong northwest winds will develop behind the cold front as colder air pours into the region. Gusts are expected to reach between 30 and 40 mph through much of the morning and into the early afternoon hours. These winds will combine with falling temperatures to make conditions feel significantly colder compared to the mild weather earlier in the week.

Winds will gradually begin to ease later Thursday afternoon and into the evening, but the colder air will remain firmly in place.

By Thursday night, temperatures across Delmarva are expected to drop sharply, with overnight lows falling into the upper 20s to lower 30s by early Friday morning. The colder conditions will mark a stark contrast from the unseasonably warm weather experienced just a day earlier.

Residents across the Delmarva Peninsula should remain alert Wednesday afternoon and evening as a developing weather system may bring the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms before a powerful cold front sweeps through the region overnight.

A strengthening area of low pressure moving across the eastern Great Lakes this afternoon will track into southern Quebec tonight. As this system intensifies, it will drag a strong cold front eastward across the Mid-Atlantic, arriving in the Delmarva region late tonight into early Thursday morning.

Ahead of the front, a warm and increasingly humid air mass will settle across the region during the day Wednesday. Temperatures will climb well above normal, while dew points rise into the upper 50s and lower 60s. This combination of warmth and moisture will help create a favorable environment for thunderstorms to develop.

We are closely watching a pre-frontal trough expected to form over central Pennsylvania during the afternoon. Thunderstorms that develop along this feature could organize and move eastward into the Delmarva region by mid to late afternoon and into the early evening hours.

Strong winds in the atmosphere will help support organized storm development. Forecast models indicate wind shear values of around 40 to 50 knots, which can help storms organize into line segments capable of producing damaging wind gusts. Some storms may also produce small hail, generally around quarter size, and there is a low but non-zero chance that an isolated tornado could occur.

The overall severe weather threat will depend heavily on how much sunshine develops during the day. If clouds remain widespread or if morning showers limit daytime heating, the atmosphere may not become unstable enough to support stronger storms. However, if breaks of sunshine develop, particularly across southern and western parts of the region, storm intensity could increase.

Current guidance suggests that areas south and west of Philadelphia have the greatest potential for stronger storms. The Storm Prediction Center has placed these areas in a Slight Risk, or Level 2 out of 5, for severe weather. Closer to the coast, including parts of coastal Delaware and New Jersey, the threat is lower due to cooler marine air moving in from the Atlantic Ocean, which tends to stabilize the atmosphere.

After the initial round of thunderstorms moves through Wednesday evening, activity may decrease overnight with only scattered showers expected for a time. The main cold front is forecast to cross the region early Thursday morning. Most of the rain associated with the front appears likely to occur after the boundary passes, which should limit any additional severe weather threat.

Temperatures will remain unusually warm overnight until the cold front moves through. Once the front passes early Thursday morning, temperatures will begin to drop quickly, signaling the arrival of cooler air across the region to start the day.

A strong cold front is expected to move through the region late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, bringing a period of showers and possibly a few strong thunderstorms.

Ahead of the front, warmer and more humid air will move into the area Wednesday. This could help showers and a few thunderstorms develop as the cold front approaches overnight. While a few storms could become strong, the overall threat for severe weather across Delmarva appears to be relatively lower.

One reason for the lower risk locally is the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. Water temperatures are still very cold this time of year, which creates a stable marine layer near the coast. This cooler, more stable air can weaken storms as they move east toward the Delmarva Peninsula.

The greater risk for stronger storms is expected to remain farther inland, mainly west of our area, where conditions will be more favorable for storms to stay organized with the threat of strong winds, some small hail and a limited tornado risk across Western Maryland.

Even so, residents across Delmarva should expect periods of showers and rounds of thunder late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning.

After the cold front moves through Thursday morning, temperatures will begin to fall during the day as much colder air moves in. In fact, the warmest temperatures Thursday may occur just after midnight before dropping into the 40s by late afternoon with gusty northwest winds.

Unseasonably warm air is moving into the region today as strong southerly winds bring a much milder and more humid airmass across Delmarva. Afternoon temperatures are expected to climb into the mid to upper 70s, putting some locations within reach of record high temperatures for this time of year. And a few isolated areas have a shot of near 80 degrees!

Winds will increase from the south to southwest with gusts up to 20 to 25 mph, helping push the warm air northward. Humidity will also increase, with dew points rising into the upper 50s and low 60s, making it feel more like late spring than early March.

Areas along the immediate coast will likely stay a bit cooler due to the southerly wind coming off the still-cold Atlantic Ocean, but inland communities could see temperatures approach daily records.

Cloud cover will gradually increase through the day Wednesday, and a few showers may begin developing later in the afternoon, especially across western parts of the region ahead of an approaching cold front.

After several days of unseasonably warm weather across the Delmarva Peninsula, a strong cold front is expected to sweep through the region Wednesday night into Thursday, bringing widespread showers and the possibility of a few thunderstorms.

The weather pattern will begin to turn more active by midweek as a potent upper-level trough moves east from the central United States. As this system approaches, large-scale lift in the atmosphere will begin increasing across the Mid-Atlantic during the day Wednesday.

The first showers may begin to develop Wednesday afternoon, mainly across areas north and west of the Interstate 95 corridor. Much of Delmarva should remain mostly dry during the daytime hours, though clouds will likely increase through the afternoon.

Rain chances will increase significantly Wednesday night as the main system approaches. A surface low associated with the upper trough is forecast to track north of the region through the Great Lakes and into southern Canada. Trailing behind that system will be a strong cold front, which is expected to move through the Mid-Atlantic early Thursday morning.

As the front approaches Wednesday night, a line of showers is expected to move across the region, bringing a period of widespread rainfall. While the overnight timing should limit the potential for severe weather, forecasters say there is still a slight chance for isolated thunderstorms due to some elevated instability in the atmosphere.

In addition to the rain, winds are expected to become increasingly gusty as the system moves through. Even outside of heavier showers, a strengthening wind field in the atmosphere could lead to occasional gusts across the region late Wednesday night and into Thursday.

Behind the cold front, rain will gradually taper off during the day Thursday as colder air begins filtering into the Mid-Atlantic. A few lingering rain or even brief snow showers cannot be ruled out later Thursday as temperatures fall.

This system will mark the end of the recent stretch of spring-like warmth, with cooler conditions expected to return to the Delmarva region heading into the end of the week.

A stretch of unusually warm weather is expected across the Delmarva Peninsula through Wednesday, with temperatures running well above average for early March and potentially approaching record levels in some locations.

The warm pattern is being driven by a stable upper-level weather pattern combined with high pressure positioned over the western Atlantic Ocean. This setup acts almost like a heat pump, allowing very mild air to surge northward into the Mid-Atlantic region.

As a result, daytime temperatures across much of Delmarva are forecast to climb into the low to mid 70s through midweek. That is roughly 20 to 25 degrees warmer than normal for this time of year. Overnight temperatures will also remain mild, with lows generally falling into the 40s and 50s.

The warm temperatures will be most noticeable inland across Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. However, communities along the Atlantic coast will stay noticeably cooler due to the influence of the chilly ocean waters. High temperatures near the beaches are expected to remain mostly in the 50s as a daily sea breeze develops during the afternoon hours.

While record temperatures appear unlikely on Tuesday, some locations could challenge or even break daily record highs by Wednesday if the warm air remains firmly in place.

Another feature of this mild pattern will be the development of fog, especially during the nighttime and early morning hours. Increasing moisture in the atmosphere combined with cool ocean temperatures will create favorable conditions for fog formation. Coastal areas will be most prone to fog, but it may spread farther inland overnight before dissipating each morning.

Despite the fog potential, the overall pattern remains quiet and stable through midweek, bringing a prolonged period of spring-like warmth to the Delmarva region.

Weather officials have issued a dense fog advisory for the Delmarva region, warning residents of potentially hazardous driving conditions during the early morning hours.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey issued the advisory at 1:10 AM on March 9th, with the warning remaining active until 10:00 AM the same day.

Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution during the advisory period, as visibility may be significantly reduced. Drivers should reduce speeds, use low-beam headlights, and maintain greater following distances when traveling in foggy conditions.

The weather service typically issues these advisories when visibility is expected to drop to one-quarter mile or less due to fog formation.

Dense fog conditions have developed across Delaware, creating potentially dangerous driving conditions for commuters and travelers throughout the First State.

The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that visibility has been significantly reduced in multiple areas, with fog intensity fluctuating from location to location across the state.

Officials are strongly encouraging all drivers to exercise extreme caution when behind the wheel during these challenging weather conditions. Reduced visibility can make it difficult to see other vehicles, road signs, and potential hazards on the roadway.

Motorists should consider reducing their speed, increasing following distances, and using low-beam headlights when navigating through foggy areas. Drivers may also want to delay non-essential travel until conditions improve.

Dense fog conditions with varying visibility levels have settled across Delaware, prompting state transportation officials to issue a safety advisory for drivers.

The fog has been reported statewide with different levels of thickness affecting visibility on roadways throughout Delaware. DelDOT is urging all motorists to exercise extra caution when driving in these challenging weather conditions.

Drivers are reminded to reduce speed, increase following distance, and use low-beam headlights when navigating through foggy areas. The fog conditions may continue to impact travel throughout the day.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey has issued a dense fog advisory for the area this morning, effective from 6:20 AM until 9:00 AM EDT on March 8th.

Motorists should exercise caution during their morning commute as visibility may be significantly reduced. Dense fog conditions can create hazardous driving situations, particularly on highways and rural roads.

The weather service recommends reducing speed, using low-beam headlights, and maintaining extra distance between vehicles when traveling in foggy conditions. Drivers should also be prepared for sudden changes in visibility.

The advisory is expected to be lifted by 9:00 AM as atmospheric conditions improve throughout the morning hours.

The National Weather Service Mount Holly office has issued a dense fog advisory that went into effect Monday afternoon at 1:08 PM and will remain active until 10:00 AM Tuesday morning.

The weather advisory warns of significantly reduced visibility conditions that could impact travel and daily activities across the region.

Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution when driving during foggy conditions, as visibility can drop dramatically and create hazardous road conditions.

Delaware Department of Transportation officials have implemented a temporary speed reduction on Interstate 495, lowering the maximum speed to 55 miles per hour due to dense fog affecting visibility along the highway.

The speed restriction has been put in place as a safety precaution to help prevent accidents during the hazardous driving conditions caused by the thick fog blanketing the area.

Motorists traveling on I-495 are advised to reduce their speed, increase following distance, and exercise extra caution while the foggy conditions persist.

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has officially designated March 9-13, 2026 as Severe Weather Awareness Week, aimed at boosting emergency preparedness and protecting public safety throughout the First State.

The weeklong initiative will feature collaborative efforts between state agencies and community organizations to educate residents about severe weather safety through digital outreach programs.

A key highlight of the awareness week will be a panel discussion titled “Then & Now: Navigating Delaware’s Evolving Severe Weather Landscape,” scheduled for March 10 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

The proclamation comes as part of ongoing efforts to help Delaware residents better prepare for and respond to severe weather events that can impact communities across the state.

Delaware Department of Transportation officials are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution while navigating Stanton Christiana Road due to dangerous flooding conditions affecting the thoroughfare.

The transportation agency has issued a safety advisory alerting commuters to the hazardous road conditions that have developed along this route. Officials are recommending that drivers consider alternative routes when possible to avoid the flooded sections.

DelDOT continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as conditions change. Motorists are reminded that driving through flooded roadways can be extremely dangerous and potentially deadly.

Weather authorities from the National Weather Service Mount Holly office have issued a fog advisory for the region, warning residents of significantly reduced visibility conditions throughout the morning hours.

The advisory went into effect at 9:48 AM on March 7th and is expected to remain active until 12:00 PM EST today. Officials are urging motorists to exercise extreme caution while traveling during these hazardous conditions.

The thick fog has created dangerous driving conditions with visibility dropping to dangerously low levels across the affected areas. Residents are advised to allow extra travel time and reduce speeds when venturing out during the advisory period.

Weather officials recommend using low-beam headlights and maintaining safe following distances while the dense fog persists. The conditions are expected to gradually improve as the morning progresses toward the noon hour.

The National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey has confirmed that blizzard conditions occurred across portions of coastal New Jersey and Delaware during the early morning hours of February 23.

According to a public information statement released Friday afternoon, sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph combined with falling and blowing snow reduced visibility to less than a quarter mile for at least three hours in several locations.
Counties meeting blizzard criteria include Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Burlington, Atlantic, and Cape May in New Jersey, along with Sussex County in Delaware. Both inland and coastal sections of many of these counties experienced the conditions.

The National Weather Service notes that the verification data is still considered preliminary until it is finalized and officially entered into the NWS StormData database. Exact start and end times for the blizzard conditions will be documented once the verification process is complete.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey has issued a dense fog advisory that took effect at 4:00 AM on March 7th and will remain active until 10:00 AM the same day.

Motorists should exercise extreme caution during morning commute hours as visibility may be significantly reduced due to the thick fog conditions.

Drivers are advised to reduce speeds, use low-beam headlights, and maintain extra distance between vehicles when traveling during the advisory period.

Dense fog conditions have developed across Delaware, creating hazardous driving conditions with reduced visibility throughout the First State.

The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that fog of different intensities has been spotted in communities statewide, prompting officials to issue a safety advisory for drivers.

Transportation authorities are encouraging all motorists to exercise extreme caution when behind the wheel during these weather conditions. Reduced visibility from fog can significantly impact a driver’s ability to see other vehicles, road signs, and potential hazards.

Drivers should reduce their speed, increase following distance, and use low-beam headlights when navigating through foggy conditions. High-beam headlights can actually make visibility worse by reflecting off the fog.

Spring weather across the Mid Atlantic can be notoriously difficult to forecast, and one of the biggest reasons is the frequent appearance of backdoor cold fronts. These unique weather boundaries often bring sudden temperature changes, shifting winds, and coastal clouds that can dramatically alter the forecast across the Delmarva Peninsula.

What Is a Backdoor Cold Front?

A backdoor cold front is a type of cold front that moves in from the northeast rather than from the west or northwest, which is the typical direction for most cold fronts in the United States.

Instead of sweeping across the region from the interior of the country, these fronts originate over New England or the North Atlantic and slide southwestward down the coastline. As the front moves through the Mid Atlantic, cooler air from the ocean and coastal regions pushes inland, replacing warmer air that had previously moved northward.

This process often results in rapid temperature drops, especially near the coast. It is not uncommon for areas along the Delmarva coast to see temperatures fall 10 to 20 degrees within a few hours after a backdoor front moves through.

Why Backdoor Fronts Are Common in the Spring

Backdoor cold fronts become especially common during the spring months across the Mid Atlantic because of the strong temperature contrast between land and water.

During spring, the land across the Mid Atlantic warms quickly as the sun angle increases. However, the Atlantic Ocean and nearby bays remain much colder after the winter months. This temperature difference creates the perfect setup for cooler marine air to surge inland.

At the same time, strong high pressure systems often build over eastern Canada or New England during the spring. These high pressure systems drive cooler air southwestward along the coastline, pushing the front toward areas such as New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.

Because the cooler air mass travels over cold ocean water, it is typically moist and stable, which often leads to low clouds, fog, and occasionally drizzle behind the front.

A Major Forecast Challenge for Delmarva

Backdoor cold fronts are particularly challenging to forecast for the Delmarva Peninsula because of the region’s geography. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and Chesapeake Bay, the peninsula sits in a location where marine air can easily influence temperatures.

One of the biggest forecasting difficulties is determining how far inland the cooler air will push. Sometimes the front stalls near the coast, leaving inland communities much warmer. Other times it surges rapidly across the peninsula, causing temperatures to fall dramatically.

For example, on some spring days it may be near 70 degrees in western Maryland while coastal Delaware remains stuck in the 40s or 50s under cloudy skies and northeast winds.

Another challenge is that these fronts often stall and move back and forth across the region. Small shifts in wind direction or pressure patterns can cause the boundary to drift north or south, which can quickly change temperatures, cloud cover, and precipitation chances.

The Role of the Ocean and Sea Breezes

The cold Atlantic waters also enhance the effects of backdoor fronts across Delmarva. Even after the front passes, persistent onshore winds and sea breezes can keep coastal communities significantly cooler than inland areas.

This marine influence is why coastal locations such as Rehoboth Beach, Ocean City, and Cape Henlopen often experience cooler temperatures and fog while inland areas like Georgetown, Salisbury, or Dover remain warmer.

A Defining Feature of Mid Atlantic Spring Weather

Backdoor cold fronts are one of the defining characteristics of spring weather across the Mid Atlantic. Their ability to dramatically change temperatures over short distances makes them a constant challenge for meteorologists and a frequent source of forecast uncertainty.

For residents across Delmarva, these fronts are the reason why spring forecasts can shift quickly from warm and sunny to cool, cloudy, and foggy within just a few hours.

A significant warm up is expected across the Delmarva Peninsula late this weekend and into the first half of next week, with temperatures climbing well above seasonal averages. Along with the warmer air, periods of showers and the potential for dense fog may also develop, especially near the coast.

The transition begins Saturday night as an upper level disturbance tracks well to the north of the region. A weakening cold front trailing from this system is expected to move through the Mid Atlantic, bringing the chance for scattered showers and possibly a thunderstorm Saturday night into early Sunday. While the system will provide some lift in the atmosphere, meteorologists say the forcing may weaken as it moves eastward, which could limit how widespread the rainfall becomes.

Temperatures on Saturday may remain somewhat cooler during the daytime hours due to lingering colder air near the surface. However, warmer air moving into the region ahead of the weakening front will gradually erode that colder air mass from south to north. Because of this, temperatures may actually peak Saturday evening rather than during the afternoon.

By Sunday and Monday, the region will become fully embedded in a much warmer air mass. High pressure anchored over the western Atlantic will establish a steady south to southwest flow, allowing significantly warmer air to surge into the Mid Atlantic.

High temperatures are expected to climb into the 60s across much of Delmarva Sunday and Monday. The warmth intensifies further by Tuesday and Wednesday, when many areas could see highs reach the low to mid 70s.

However, coastal communities may experience some cooling due to the influence of the chilly Atlantic Ocean. Light southerly winds could allow a sea breeze to develop, especially during the afternoon hours, bringing cooler temperatures inland near the Delaware and Maryland beaches as well as along Delaware Bay.

Forecast models suggest a cold front may approach the region by Wednesday along with a possible area of low pressure. If this system arrives sooner than expected, temperatures may not reach the 70s in some locations. Behind the front, cooler air is expected to return by Thursday, although temperatures should still remain slightly above normal for early March.

In addition to the warmer weather, fog could become a recurring issue across the region. The combination of the milder air mass and increasing humidity moving over the colder ocean waters creates favorable conditions for fog formation. Some of the fog could become dense at times, particularly near the coastline and around Delaware Bay.

Drivers are urged to remain cautious during periods of reduced visibility, especially during the overnight and early morning hours when fog tends to be most widespread.

Overall, the upcoming pattern represents a notable shift toward springlike conditions after the colder weather that has dominated much of the winter season across the region.

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor, released Thursday, shows drought conditions continuing across portions of the Delmarva Peninsula, although impacts vary depending on location across Delaware, Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and the lower Eastern Shore of Virginia.

According to the newest data, areas of moderate drought (D1) remain across parts of the lower Maryland Eastern Shore and nearby sections of the Mid Atlantic. Meanwhile, other portions of the Delmarva region are classified as abnormally dry (D0), indicating lingering moisture deficits but not yet reaching official drought status.

The U.S. Drought Monitor categorizes drought into several levels, ranging from D0 (abnormally dry) to D4 (exceptional drought). Areas in the D0 category are often experiencing short term dryness or recovering from drought conditions, while D1 indicates more significant moisture deficits that can begin to impact agriculture, water supplies, and ecosystems.

Delmarva Conditions

Across the Delmarva Peninsula, drought conditions have been driven largely by several months of below normal precipitation, which has led to declining groundwater levels, reduced streamflow, and drier soils in some areas. Long term precipitation deficits in parts of Delaware have ranged several inches below normal over the past six months, contributing to the ongoing dryness.

The latest assessment shows the most notable drought conditions focused across portions of the Maryland Eastern Shore, while parts of Delaware and the Virginia Eastern Shore remain mostly in the abnormally dry category or near normal conditions.

Impacts Across the Region

Even moderate drought can have noticeable impacts across Delmarva. Dry soils can affect early season agriculture, groundwater recharge, and local water supplies. In addition, periods of dry and windy weather can increase the risk of brush and vegetation fires, particularly during late winter and early spring when vegetation is dormant.

Officials in parts of the Mid Atlantic have previously issued drought advisories and warnings due to these ongoing dry conditions, especially where streamflow and groundwater levels remain below normal.

City officials in Rehoboth Beach have released comprehensive data about their response to the devastating late February snowstorm that buried the coastal community under more than 18 inches of snow and brought destructive winds. Longtime residents described the weather event as the most severe winter storm they have ever experienced.

Municipal crews have been operating continuously to remove snow accumulation, clear fallen tree branches and debris, and return the community to normal operations. City officials emphasized that these recovery efforts were made possible through the unwavering commitment of municipal employees.

Streets Department Operations

During the height of the storm, the Streets Department deployed 8 crew members working extended 12-hour shifts. The department’s fleet of 9 snow plows operated throughout the city both during and after the snowfall. Crews applied roughly 8 tons of road salt across city streets during the operation.

Emergency Communications Response

The city’s 9-1-1 Communications Center maintained 12-hour shifts throughout the storm period, with 2 to 3 dispatchers cycling through each shift. Between 1 p.m. Sunday and 7 a.m. Tuesday, emergency communications staff handled 370 total calls and managed 90 separate incidents.

Within city boundaries, dispatchers responded to 30 incidents, with 25 of those involving downed trees or power lines. Beyond the city limits, dispatch personnel worked alongside the County Emergency Operations Center and National Guard units to coordinate assistance for calls originating from the Angola region.

Officials indicated they will release additional data regarding tree and debris removal operations once those cleanup efforts are finished.

After a stretch of gloomy and cool weather, a significant warm up is expected to develop across the Delmarva Peninsula this weekend and continue into the first half of next week. Forecasters say temperatures could surge well above normal as a much milder air mass spreads into the Mid Atlantic.

The transition begins later this weekend as a ridge of high pressure builds over the western Atlantic Ocean. At the same time, several upper level disturbances will track across the northern United States, helping to set up a pattern that allows warmer air to gradually move northward into the region.

Before the warmer air fully arrives, cooler conditions may linger into Saturday due to a setup known as cold air damming. Strong high pressure over eastern Canada will push cooler air southward into the region, while a boundary remains positioned to the south and west of Delmarva. This could keep skies cloudy with areas of fog and cooler temperatures early in the weekend.

As the weekend progresses, the colder air mass will begin to erode from south to north. This process may lead to a sharp temperature difference across the region on Saturday before warmer air eventually takes over. Some showers may also develop Saturday night as a disturbance passes to the north and a trailing cold front approaches. A stray thunderstorm cannot be ruled out, although widespread severe weather is not expected.

By Sunday, much of the Delmarva region will become firmly established within the warmer air mass as high pressure settles offshore. Winds shifting to the south and southwest will help draw warmer air northward.

Temperatures are expected to climb into the 60s across much of the region Sunday and Monday. Even warmer conditions are likely by the middle of next week, when highs could reach the low to mid 70s on Tuesday and Wednesday. These readings would be 10 to 20 degrees above average for early March.

Communities along the coast may see somewhat cooler temperatures due to developing sea breezes off the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. This could keep coastal locations several degrees cooler than inland areas.

The warm pattern may not last indefinitely, however. Forecast models suggest a cold front could approach the region around Wednesday, bringing another chance of showers and potentially preventing temperatures from reaching the warmest projections.

Even so, the overall trend points toward a dramatic shift from recent chilly conditions to a stretch of springlike warmth across the Delmarva Peninsula during the upcoming week.

Governor Matt Meyer has officially proclaimed March 9 through March 13, 2026 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Delaware, encouraging residents across the First State to prepare for potentially dangerous weather events that can occur throughout the year.

The initiative is led by the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) in partnership with the National Weather Service, the University of Delaware’s Center for Environmental Monitoring and Analysis (CEMA), the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), and Delaware Sea Grant. The goal is to increase awareness about severe weather threats and encourage residents to take steps now to protect their families and communities.

State officials say the week serves as a reminder that Delaware regularly faces weather hazards such as flooding, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, lightning, and coastal storms. Many of these events can develop quickly, giving residents little time to react without proper preparation.

Daily Severe Weather Safety Topics

Throughout the week, emergency management officials will focus on a different severe weather hazard each day, sharing safety tips and preparedness information.

• Monday: Flood safety
• Tuesday: Tornado safety
• Wednesday: Severe thunderstorms and hail
• Thursday: Lightning safety
• Friday: Preparing for severe weather

Residents are encouraged to follow along on social media and online resources to learn how to respond when severe weather strikes.

Recent Severe Weather Highlights Need for Preparedness

Delaware has experienced several significant weather events in recent years that highlight the importance of preparedness.

In 2020, the remnants of Tropical Storm Isaias produced the longest tornado ever recorded in Delaware, carving a destructive path from Dover in Kent County to Glasgow in New Castle County. More recently, a tornado in Sussex County in April 2023 resulted in the state’s first tornado-related fatality in decades.

Flooding has also been a growing concern. The remnants of Hurricane Ida produced historic rainfall and flooding in Wilmington in 2021, underscoring the risks associated with extreme weather across the region.

Nationally, severe weather continues to cause major impacts. According to federal climate data, the United States recorded 27 separate billion-dollar weather disasters in 2024, with the majority tied to severe thunderstorms.

Steps Delaware Residents Can Take Now

Emergency management officials say preparedness before severe weather strikes is critical. Residents are encouraged to:

• Sign up for alerts through the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS)
• Build a basic emergency preparedness kit
• Create a family emergency plan
• Know evacuation zones and local hazards
• Stay informed through weather alerts and trusted forecasts

More preparedness information and resources are available at PrepareDE.org.

Officials say even small steps taken ahead of severe weather can significantly reduce risks to lives and property when dangerous conditions develop.

A stretch of gloomy weather is expected to continue across the Delmarva Peninsula through Friday as a stalled frontal boundary keeps the region locked into cool, damp conditions.

The front will remain positioned mostly south of the region, allowing several weak areas of low pressure to move along it. These disturbances will periodically bring light rain or scattered showers while maintaining a very moist air mass over the area.

The first round of rain arrived early Thursday morning, with another wave expected to move through later tonight. Between these periods of rainfall, mist and drizzle are likely to develop, along with areas of fog as light winds and abundant moisture linger across the region.

Patchy dense fog will remain a concern at times through Friday. However, forecasters note that winds may stay just strong enough to prevent widespread dense fog development. Melting snow and warming ground temperatures may also help reduce the risk somewhat, though localized visibility reductions are still possible, particularly during the overnight and early morning hours.

As a result, conditions may remain murky across much of the Delmarva Peninsula with low clouds and periods of reduced visibility.

The unsettled pattern continues into Friday as a backdoor cold front pushes into the region from the north and east before stalling across Delmarva. This setup will trap low-level moisture beneath a temperature inversion, leading to persistent cloud cover along with occasional drizzle, light showers, and areas of fog.

Temperatures will stay on the cool side for early March, with afternoon highs across most of the region expected to remain in the 40s.

Cloudy, foggy conditions will continue across the Delmarva Peninsula today as a slow moving weather system lifts north through the region. A stationary front currently stretching from low pressure over the Ohio Valley across Delmarva and southern New Jersey will gradually begin to shift northward as a warm front through the day.

As this front lifts north, temperatures across the region will slowly rise. Afternoon highs are expected to reach the low 50s for many areas, with some locations across Delmarva potentially climbing into the upper 50s. Temperatures will remain relatively mild overnight as well, only dropping into the 40s.

Fog has been widespread across the region early today, although visibility has shown some improvement in some areas. Despite this, fog is expected to remain a concern through much of the day, particularly closer to the coast, Delaware Bay, and along the shoreline where it may remain thicker and more persistent. Motorists traveling in these areas should continue to exercise caution due to reduced visibility.

Later this afternoon and into the evening hours, a disturbance in the upper atmosphere combined with weak low pressure moving through the region may trigger scattered showers. The best chance for rain will be across the Delaware Valley, southern New Jersey, and the Delmarva Peninsula. While rainfall amounts are expected to remain relatively light, wet roads could add to the already challenging travel conditions caused by fog.

As the main low pressure system moves closer tonight, fog is expected to redevelop and cloud ceilings will likely lower once again. Another round of light rain may also develop late tonight as the system approaches. Overnight temperatures will remain mild, generally settling into the 40s across the region.

The unsettled and damp conditions are expected to linger into Thursday as the slow moving weather pattern continues to influence the Mid-Atlantic.

Delaware Department of Transportation officials are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution while navigating Stanton Christiana Road due to dangerous flooding conditions affecting the thoroughfare.

The water accumulation on the roadway poses significant safety risks for vehicles attempting to pass through the area. Transportation authorities recommend that drivers reduce their speed considerably and remain alert for changing road conditions.

Those planning to travel through the region should anticipate possible delays and may want to consider alternative routes until the flooding subsides and normal traffic patterns resume.

Weather officials from the National Weather Service Mount Holly office have issued a dense fog advisory for the Delmarva Peninsula, warning residents of significantly reduced visibility conditions Sunday evening.

The advisory went into effect at 4:04 PM on March 3rd and will remain active until 10:00 PM the same day, according to meteorologists.

Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution while traveling during these conditions, as the thick fog can drastically limit visibility on roadways. Motorists should reduce speeds, use low-beam headlights, and maintain greater following distances between vehicles.

The weather service recommends avoiding unnecessary travel if possible until conditions improve later this evening.

Motorists in Sussex County are encountering foggy conditions of different intensities across the region, according to Delaware Department of Transportation reports.

The weather phenomenon is affecting visibility throughout the county, creating potentially dangerous driving conditions for residents and travelers.

Drivers are advised to exercise caution, reduce speeds, and use low-beam headlights when navigating through areas experiencing reduced visibility due to the fog.

A significant shift in the overall weather pattern is setting the stage for a prolonged warm up across the Delmarva Peninsula beginning mid week and continuing into early next week. An upper level trough developing over the western United States will allow strong ridging to build over the eastern half of the country. As that western trough digs farther south into western Mexico by Friday, the ridge over the East will amplify. At the surface, a large Bermuda high will take control, promoting a milder southwest flow into the Mid Atlantic and pushing temperatures well above average for early March.

By Wednesday, highs across Delmarva will climb into the 50s to near 60 degrees. The forecast becomes more complicated from Thursday through Saturday as a frontal boundary wavers north and south across the region. The front is expected to lift north on Thursday before stalling and then dropping back south as a backdoor front Friday into Saturday. Its exact placement will create sharp temperature differences across relatively short distances. South of the boundary, temperatures will warm into the mid 60s to around 70 degrees, while areas near the front hover around 60. North of the boundary, highs may struggle in the 40s and 50s. There is increasing potential that some parts of Delmarva could trend cooler than currently forecast, particularly if a persistent east to northeast wind develops and pulls in cooler marine air from the Atlantic.

By Sunday and into early next week, the front is expected to lift back north, placing the region firmly in the warm sector once again. Highs should reach the 60s and lower 70s inland. Coastal communities, including areas along the Delaware Beaches and the Maryland and Virginia Eastern Shore, are likely to remain cooler in the 40s and 50s due to the influence of the cold ocean waters.

Although this pattern does not favor any significant storms, it will not be completely dry. The wavering boundary will serve as a focus for several weak disturbances moving through from Wednesday into Saturday, bringing multiple opportunities for showers. A slightly stronger wave Thursday night could even produce a few rumbles of thunder. Shower chances may linger into the weekend and early next week as the jet stream remains displaced well to the north.

Any rainfall that develops will be welcomed across Delmarva, where ongoing drought conditions have left soils dry. While this does not appear to be a soaking event, periodic showers could provide some short term relief as the region transitions toward spring.

Beginning today, March 3, 2026, the Storm Prediction Center is implementing significant changes to how severe weather risks are communicated in its daily convective outlooks.

The update does not change the familiar five tier categorical system used to describe overall severe weather risk. Instead, it enhances the outlooks by adding clearer information about the potential intensity of tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail, even in situations where storms may be limited in coverage.

The change is designed to improve how forecasters communicate high impact threats and help emergency managers, broadcasters, and the public better understand the severity of possible outcomes.

What Remains the Same

The SPC will continue to issue its well known categorical risk levels: Marginal Level 1, Slight Level 2, Enhanced Level 3, Moderate Level 4, and High Level 5.

These categories still represent the overall probability and expected coverage of severe thunderstorms within 25 miles of a point.

What Is New: Conditional Intensity Groups

The major addition is the introduction of Conditional Intensity Groups, also known as CIGs. These new markers appear within the probabilistic tornado, wind, and hail outlooks and are intended to show the maximum expected intensity of severe hazards if storms develop.

In previous outlooks, hatched areas indicated potential for significant severe weather but did not clearly differentiate between moderate and extreme scenarios. Now, distinct intensity tiers provide clearer hazard messaging.

Tornado Outlook Changes

Tornado forecasts now include three Conditional Intensity Groups.

CIG 1 indicates an environment supportive of tornadoes up to at least EF2 strength.

CIG 2 signals potential for strong tornadoes of at least EF3 intensity.

CIG 3 highlights an environment capable of producing violent tornadoes rated EF4 or stronger.

This is particularly important in conditional setups where storm coverage may be limited but atmospheric parameters strongly favor intense tornadoes. Under the old system, that nuance was more difficult to convey visually. Now, even on days with lower overall probabilities, SPC can communicate when the ceiling for tornado strength is especially high.

Damaging Wind Outlook Changes

Wind outlooks are also receiving expanded intensity detail.

Three wind intensity tiers are now included.

CIG 1 represents potential for gusts of at least 74 miles per hour.

CIG 2 indicates an environment supportive of organized bow echoes or derechos.

CIG 3 highlights an ongoing or highly likely derecho level event.

In addition, SPC is adding higher probability thresholds of 75 percent and 90 percent to Day 1 and Day 2 wind outlooks. These elevated percentages signal very high confidence in widespread damaging wind. This refinement allows forecasters to distinguish between scattered severe gusts and large scale, high impact wind events.

Hail Outlook Changes

Hail forecasts now include two distinct intensity tiers.

CIG 1 indicates potential for hail greater than 2 inches in diameter.

CIG 2 indicates potential for hail exceeding 3.5 inches in diameter.

The addition helps differentiate between typical severe hail events and environments supportive of extremely large, destructive hail often associated with long lived supercells.

Unlike tornado and wind outlooks, hail currently includes two tiers rather than three, reflecting the rarity and forecasting challenges associated with the most extreme hail sizes.

Why the Change Matters

The update enhances SPC’s ability to communicate risk in two critical ways. It separates coverage probability from maximum intensity potential. It also better highlights high end threats in conditional environments.

For emergency planners and broadcast meteorologists, this provides clearer decision support information. For the public, it offers a more precise understanding of how dangerous storms could become, not just how likely they are to occur.

The revised outlook format takes effect with today’s convective outlook issuance and will apply to Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 severe weather forecasts.

Weather officials have concluded a brief winter weather advisory that affected the Delmarva Peninsula early Sunday morning.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey, had put the advisory into effect at 7:51 a.m. on March 3rd, lifting it approximately one hour and nine minutes later at 9:00 a.m. the same day.

The short-duration advisory covered areas under the Mount Holly forecast office’s jurisdiction, which includes portions of Delaware and the surrounding region.

Residents who may have been impacted by the brief weather event can continue monitoring local conditions and official weather service updates for any additional information.

Delaware Department of Transportation officials have implemented a temporary speed limit reduction on Interstate 495, bringing the maximum allowable speed down to 55 miles per hour due to current weather conditions affecting the roadway.

The speed restriction has been put in place as a safety precaution to help motorists navigate the interstate more safely during adverse weather that could impact driving conditions.

Drivers traveling on I-495 are advised to observe the reduced speed limit and exercise additional caution while the weather-related restrictions remain in effect.

Weather officials have issued a winter weather advisory for the Delmarva Peninsula, warning residents of potentially hazardous conditions during the early morning hours.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey, activated the advisory at 1:26 AM EST on March 3rd, with the warning set to remain active until 8:00 AM EST the same day.

Local residents are advised to exercise caution during morning travel and stay updated on changing weather conditions throughout the advisory period.

Each year, meteorologists and emergency management officials mark their calendars for the official Atlantic hurricane season, which begins on June 1st and extends through November 30th.

This six-month window represents the period when conditions in the Atlantic Ocean basin are most favorable for tropical storm and hurricane development. During these months, residents along the Eastern Seaboard, including Delaware and the Delmarva Peninsula, monitor weather forecasts closely as storm systems can potentially impact the region.

The established timeframe helps coastal communities prepare for potential severe weather events and serves as a reminder for families to review their emergency preparedness plans.

Weather officials have issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Delmarva Peninsula, alerting residents to prepare for challenging conditions through Monday morning.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey announced the advisory Saturday evening at 8:49 PM, with the warning set to remain in effect until 8:00 AM on Monday, March 3rd.

Local residents should monitor weather conditions closely and take appropriate precautions during the advisory period. The warning suggests that winter weather conditions may create hazardous situations for travel and outdoor activities across Delaware and the surrounding Delmarva region.

Residents are encouraged to stay updated on changing weather conditions and plan accordingly for potential impacts to their Monday morning commute and weekend activities.

Delaware residents can expect warmer than usual weather in the coming week and a half, according to extended weather forecasts covering the next 6 to 10 days. The projection indicates that most areas across the nation will see temperatures at or above seasonal averages, with rainfall amounts also expected to meet or exceed normal levels.

The East Coast, including Delaware and surrounding states, shows the highest probability for experiencing temperatures warmer than typical for this time of year. Conversely, areas expecting below-average moisture include California and portions of the western Great Basin region.

Cold temperatures will begin moving northward this week but will remain present near the Canadian border stretching from North Dakota through New England. Early week weather patterns may bring icy conditions and freezing precipitation to areas as far south as the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic region before milder temperatures take hold.

The weather pattern is expected to shift during the week’s second half, with warmer air masses moving into the region.

Weather officials have put the Delmarva Peninsula under a Winter Weather Advisory that began Saturday afternoon and will remain in effect until Sunday morning at 8:00 AM.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey activated the advisory at 1:18 PM on Saturday, March 2nd, warning residents across Delaware and surrounding areas to prepare for winter weather conditions.

The advisory will stay active until 8:00 AM on Sunday, March 3rd, giving local communities nearly 19 hours to navigate the anticipated weather challenges.

Residents throughout the region should monitor local conditions closely and take appropriate precautions for travel and outdoor activities during the advisory period.