A Heat Advisory is now in effect for New Castle County and surrounding areas through Friday evening at 8 PM, with heat index values expected to reach up to 104 degrees.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory early this morning for New Castle County in Delaware, along with parts of New Jersey including Mercer, Camden, Gloucester, and Northwestern Burlington counties, and several Pennsylvania counties including Philadelphia, Delaware, Eastern Chester, Eastern Montgomery, and Lower Bucks.
The dangerous heat and humidity combination poses a risk for heat-related illnesses. Health officials urge residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay indoors in air conditioning when possible, and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
If you must go outside, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours. Check on elderly relatives and neighbors, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Some relief may come from scattered showers and thunderstorms expected late this afternoon and again Friday afternoon, though humidity will remain high. Much drier conditions are forecast for the weekend behind a passing cold front.
For those without air conditioning, call 211 or visit your local health department website for cooling center locations.
