It’s never a good feeling when the words “oppressive heat” slide into the National Weather Service’s forecast.
Heat indices are expected to rise above 100 degrees throughout Delaware this week, but the weather service is reporting especially widespread and hazardous heat in southern Delaware and at the beaches.
Meteorologists report that the highest temperatures and dew points will arrive on Wednesday and Thursday, and this hot weather is bringing a risk of heat exhaustion throughout the weekend and into Monday.
The Rehoboth Beach area is expected to see a high temperature near 87 on Wednesday and 91 on Thursday, but it will likely feel much warmer with rising humidity levels. While the weather service is predicting a slight chance of thunderstorms on Thursday, the clouds and rain are expected to stay away for most of the week and weekend.
This heat wave isn’t completely out of the norm when compared to the previous two summers as mid-July included multiple days above 90 degrees. Still, meteorologists warn that the combined high temperatures and dew points could make for dangerous conditions.
The good news is it is almost always a little cooler on the coast – that’s why everyone flocks to the beach when it’s scorching hot, right? But even though people can cool off in the ocean, lifeguards and medical professionals remind beachgoers that they are still at risk of heat-related health concerns.
Jeff Giles, Rehoboth Beach Patrol Captain, said the lifeguards are already stocking up on ice and preparing for the hot weekend ahead.
“The hotter it is, it seems like the more medical calls we get,” Giles said, adding that heat-related illnesses can sneak up on people fast, often making them feel dizzy or faint.
The National Weather Service recommends using sunscreen, wearing loose-fitting and light-colored clothing, drinking lots of water (even if people don’t feel thirsty) and having access to shade and air conditioning if possible.
People who are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses – like pregnant people, newborns, children, the elderly or those who have chronic illnesses – should take extra care to find respite from the heat, according to the weather service.
If headed to the beaches to cool off this week or weekend, here are some more tips to stay safe.
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Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
It’s likely you’ve heard this over and over already this week, but many experts agree that staying hydrated is the first step in avoiding heat-related illnesses.
So, when you head to the beach, make sure to throw lots of water bottles into your cooler.
Dr. Nick Perchiniak, an emergency department physician and the associate medical director for emergency services at Beebe Healthcare, said in a previous interview that this is an especially important reminder for those drinking alcohol.
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“Especially in hot weather, the effects of alcohol can be amplified, so we want people to make sure that they are drinking plenty of water, that they’re staying hydrated, and that they’re being mindful if they develop any nausea, vomiting, headache or cramps,” he said.
If anyone notices these symptoms, he said they should try to find shade or an air-conditioned space.
Don’t forget sun protection
Hey, that big floppy beach hat isn’t just a fashion statement. Especially with these high heat indices, it’s important that people cover up or stay under the shade to protect themselves from the sun.
This also includes sunscreen, of course.
Sunburn can range from a mild nuisance to a more serious problem, so Perchiniak said it’s best to avoid it altogether and use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30.
Especially for the elderly or other vulnerable populations, Giles added that it may not be wise to spend long hours sitting in the sun.
It’s also important for everyone – from younger families to older folks – to remember that it can be a process getting onto the beach. From finding a parking spot to scoping out the best spot on a crowded beach, it’s likely people will break a sweat before even laying out on the sand.
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Giles reminds beachgoers to be prepared, bring water and expect to spend some time in the heat. A lot of people who have mobility concerns have also found it more difficult to navigate the beach entrances – some of which remain considerably steep since the May nor’easter.
Beware of hot sand
If the beach is your happy place then you’re probably familiar with the ridiculous dance people do as they race across the unexpectedly hot sand to find refuge on a beach towel. It’s not a great look, and it’s an even worse feeling.
It’s likely that the sand will once again be scalding this week after absorbing all the heat from multiple days in the high 80s or low 90s. Because we don’t seem to be getting a break from this heat, the material that makes up the sand on Delaware’s beaches will not have time to release the heat that it so expertly absorbs.
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When the summer brings these hot temperatures, lifeguard captains often advise parents to put shoes on their kids’ feet when walking across the scorching sand. This holds true for beachgoers of all ages, too.
Beyond wearing shoes, though, experts have said that people can avoid the extra hot areas of sand by staying away from darker areas of the sand where heavier minerals may be absorbing more heat and trying to stick to lighter areas where more shells may keep the surface cooler.
When taking walks along the beach, it may also feel better to walk through or near the surf where the sand is wet and cooler.
What to do if not feeling well
Many of the beach patrols have EMTs on staff and can intervene during medical emergencies related to the heat.
The first thing someone should do if they start to feel unwell is drink water, find shade and wet some towels to cool off, Giles said.
People should monitor how they’re feeling and seek attention if they start to feel dizzy, dizzy, faint, fatigued, nauseous or if they stop sweating after previously sweating profusely.
Lifeguards can help people find their way off the beach and into air conditioning if necessary.
Emily Lytle covers Sussex County from the inland towns to the beaches. Got a story she should tell? Contact her at elytle@delmarvanow.com or 302-332-0370. Follow her on Twitter at @emily3lytle.
