2 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2026: America’s 250^th is poised to be the hottest party on this side of the planet, literally.

A scorching heat wave is set to develop across Sussex County and most of the eastern United States beginning Wednesday, July 1, promising to make the upcoming holiday weekend the hottest yet this summer season, with temperatures expected to top 100 degrees, and heat indices climbing upward of 115 degrees.

To help the public beat the heat, County officials on Tuesday announced that several facilities will serve as ‘cooling stations’ ahead of the holiday, as National Weather Service forecasters have issued an extreme heat watch into Independence Day. Possible showers and thunderstorms could bring some brief relief, but the heat and humidity could linger into early next week before subsiding.

In anticipation of the heat, Sussex County reminds the public that various air-conditioned County sites are available during regular business hours throughout the summer months as ‘cooling stations’. However, due to the upcoming long holiday weekend, public offices, including libraries, will be closed. County government will make the County Administrative Offices building on The Circle in Georgetown available for those seeking relief from the heat of the day. Locations, with hours for the period of July 1 to July 5, include:

In addition to County facilities, the State of Delaware also has announced ‘cooling stations’ at select State buildings. For more information, call 2-1-1 or visit the State’s website.

Paramedics from Sussex County EMS, which will be nearly doubled in staffing for the holiday period, will make routine stops at the County facilities, as time permits, to answer any heat-related questions and/or concerns. Also, free, individual servings of bottled water will be available during this period to help the public cool off from the extreme conditions. When visiting a relief station, please bring any needed medications and/or specialty items.

Residents and visitors are urged to limit exposure outside, particularly during the hottest part of the day – roughly from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. County emergency managers, meantime, are strongly encouraging organizers of events tied to the Fourth of July to monitor the forecast, and consider adjusting the timing of their activities and celebrations so as to limit the public’s exposure. Those outside during the most intense heat should take frequent breaks, and drink plenty of water.

Here are some hot weather safety tips:

• Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. Lighter clothing deflects sunlight, and will not absorb heat like dark materials do;
• Stay in properly ventilated areas;
• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day;
• Have plenty of water available. Avoid alcoholic beverages;
• Be aware of the signs of heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, and seek medical attention if necessary. Signs of heat cramps can include muscular pains and spasms from heavy exertion. Resting in a cooler area, taking occasional sips of water and stretching the muscle mildly can counter the effects of heat cramps. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are much more serious, and may require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include a pale or flushed appearance, as well as headache and nausea. Heat stroke symptoms include rapidly increased body temperature, loss of consciousness, rapid or weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing.

Be sure to check on friends, relatives and neighbors, particularly the elderly and young children, who may be at risk for exposure to the heat. Remember to give pets extra water, provide shade or bring them indoors, where temperatures are cooler.

It is also important to keep in mind that due to the higher temperatures and humidity expected in the area over the coming days, demand for electricity will increase. In an effort to reduce costs and avoid power shortages, Sussex County Emergency Management asks all residents and business operators in Sussex County to help conserve power to avoid outages.

You can help in the conservation of electricity by taking the following steps:

• Set air conditioners to 80 degrees, or use fans instead, and minimize the opening of refrigerators and freezers;
• Limit the use of electric water heaters and turn off non-essential appliances and lights;
• Delay using high-energy appliances, such as washing machines and dryers, until after 8 p.m.;
• Prepare light summer meals that require minimal, if any, cooking. Try using an outdoor grill or microwave oven instead of an electric range;
• Keep window shades, blinds, or drapes closed to block the sunlight during the hottest portion of the day;
• Move lamps, TVs and other heat sources away from air conditioner thermostats. Heat from those appliances is sensed by the thermostat and could cause an air conditioner to run longer than necessary;
• Move furniture and other obstacles from in front of central air conditioning ducts to allow cooler air to circulate through rooms more freely.