Sussex County announces ‘cooling stations’ as season’s latest heat wave set to settle over region

2 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2026 : Sussex County is moving from the oven straight into nature's fire, again.

County officials on Tuesday, July 14, announced that several facilities will once again serve as 'cooling stations' through Friday, July 17, as National Weather Service forecasters predict another round of extreme heat - though not as intense as the spell during the July Fourth weekend - to affect the region. A heat advisory is in effect for Sussex County until 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, as forecasters predict temperatures to soar toward 100 degrees, with humidity making it feel like nearly 110 degrees at times. Temperatures could return to more seasonable values in the low 90s with the arrival of scattered showers and thunderstorms by the weekend.

In anticipation of the latest round of extreme heat, Sussex County reminds the public that select County facilities, as well as partner locations at 11 independent community libraries, are available as cooling stations in the summer during their regular business hours, offering the public a respite from the heat and humidity. The air-conditioned County sites 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.

Sussex County paramedics will make routine stops at the County facilities, as time permits, during the anticipated heat wave to address 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.

For a map of designated 'cooling stations' in Sussex County, visit https://tinyurl.com/bde2v3mv. For the latest status on County 'cooling stations', the public can call (302) 855-1969.

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. Those who must be outside 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 into a residence 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.