Delaware health officials urge caution as extreme heat wave approaches

The national heat wave is expected to affect about 170 million Americans in the Midwest and Northeast this week. (Photo by Xurzon/iStockphoto)

97, 99, 96 – those are the high temperatures expected for the state’s capital, Dover, for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

With a heat wave expected to blanket Delaware in the coming days, the state’s Division of Public Health (DPH) is warning residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses, especially among the most vulnerable populations.

According to the National Weather Service, Delaware will face dangerously high temperatures and humidity levels, raising the risk of heat exhaustion and other serious conditions.

In response, health officials are offering tips and resources to help residents stay safe.

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Extreme heat can pose a serious health threat to anyone, but certain groups—including infants, older adults, pregnant individuals, and pets—are at significantly higher risk.

Who’s most at risk?

Infants and children often can’t communicate their discomfort or regulate body temperature as efficiently as adults.
Older adults may have difficulty adjusting to temperature changes, especially those on certain medications or with chronic health issues.
Pregnant individuals face added strain as their bodies work to cool both themselves and their unborn children.
Pets, particularly those that are very young, old, or have darker coats or health conditions, are also at risk and should be kept cool and well-hydrated.

Outdoor workers, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and those without access to air conditioning or proper shelter are also urged to take extra precautions.

Heat safety tips

To reduce the risk of heat-related illness, DPH advises Delawareans to:

Stay cool by seeking out air-conditioned spaces such as malls, libraries, or designated cooling centers.
Dress appropriately in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Limit outdoor activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day. If being outside is unavoidable, take frequent breaks and stay in the shade when possible.
Protect pets, avoiding walks during peak heat hours and checking pavement temperature with your hand before taking them out.
Hydrate frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks, which can contribute to dehydration.
Never leave children or pets in parked cars, where temperatures can become deadly in minutes—even with windows cracked.

DPH also pointed residents to resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including a Heat & Health Tracker for localized conditions, and the National Weather Service’s seven-day heat risk outlook.