The last weekend in July at the Delaware beaches is going to be what a 90s radio DJ would call “a scorcher.”
The National Weather Service is calling for “oppressive heat” this weekend. Luckily, we have an ocean for that, and just in time, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed beach replenishment. Summer only lasts so long, so quit bemoaning the heat and bugs and get on the beach!
Every week in the summertime, Delaware Online/The News Journal provides this weekend guide to the Delaware beaches. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about beach closures, weather, events and even those pesky beach flies.
Long live summer!
Weather at Delaware beaches
The humidity dissipated last weekend, making for a lovely couple days of warm weather without all the sweat. This weekend, the heat and humidity are back.
It’s going to be especially hot at the Delaware beaches, with temperatures in the mid-90s on Friday and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Friday’s max heat index in Bethany Beach is 102 degrees!
There will be a little relief Sunday, with temperatures in the low 80s. Saturday and Sunday both have small chance of rain.
Take the heat seriously; it causes more deaths in the U.S. than any other weather-related cause. Children, the elderly and the disabled are most at risk.
The U.S. Centers For Disease Control recommends the following to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths.
- Seek out air-conditioning. Check on neighbors who don’t have it, and if you don’t, know where to find it. Libraries usually serve as public cooling stations.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water and other non-alcoholic beverages frequently.
- Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
- Don’t exercise or perform strenuous activities during the daytime.
- Never leave children or pets in cars.
More heat-related tips:Avoid these risks to dogs this summer as warm weather, pet dangers, amp up
Events at Delaware beaches
Lewes, Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach all offer free concerts throughout the summer. Check your town’s website for the schedule and lineup.
But the Delaware beaches have plenty more to offer. Starting at the southern end, the Freeman Arts Pavilion will host T.3 Friday night at 7 p.m. They’re a TikTok-viral a cappella trio that sing pop, film and Broadway songs. Saturday morning at 10 a.m. is The Uncle Devin Show, “an interactive musical experience for children,” according to Freeman’s website. That evening, check out “Classic Albums Live: Aretha’s Gold,” and Sunday night, check out The Mavericks, an “eclectic rock and country group.”
In Ocean View, Dickens Parlour Theatre will host magician Rich Bloch and “The Comedy Tonight Show” Friday and Saturday night. Sunday night, “The Good Liar” Brian Curry, a magician and “mind-reader,” will begin a nine-night run.
Clear Space Theatre Company in Rehoboth Beach has a rotating summer repertoire. This weekend, “Jesus Christ Superstar” is onstage Friday and Saturday night, and afterward, on Friday night, catch the “Laughter at the Beach!” comedy show. There’s also a Saturday morning children’s theatre production of “The Wizard of Oz” (abridged version).
And on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tanger Outlets Seaside in Rehoboth Beach will host over 50 local businesses and vendors for a “Back to School Block Party.”
Heat warnings:Extreme heat forecast for Delaware this summer. Here’s what you need to know
Beach closures
Portions of the Delaware ocean beaches have been closed since April when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began a major replenishment project.
Rejoice! Work was completed this week in Bethany Beach and South Bethany, meaning wide, sandy beaches from Rehoboth Beach to Fenwick Island and no more closures.
“The only work continuing is sand fencing and dune walkway repairs,” said Army Corps of Engineers spokesman Stephen Rochette.
There have been a few other sorts of beach closures this summer. The beach at Gordon’s Pond in Cape Henlopen State Park closed briefly due to nesting piping plovers, and on Tuesday, the Delaware beaches saw their first water quality advisory of the summer.
Lewes development:This prime Lewes property near the beach is finally set to be developed after legal battle
Herring Point beach in Cape Henlopen State Park was under advisory from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control due to high levels of Enterococci bacteria, but levels tested below the standard the next day.
“These bacteria most likely originate from wildlife sources and increased rainfall, waves or wildlife feeding near the surf (shorebirds, marine mammals or other warm-blooded animals) and can result in these indicator bacteria washing into the near shore waters,” the advisory said.
Water quality advisories are issued most often in late summer. Delaware Online/The News Journal will notify readers of each one, so check in frequently.
Things to know
Surf-fishing: For the first time this year at the Delaware drive-on beaches, you need a reservation on weekends and holidays. That’s in addition to a surf-fishing permit, available at most state park offices.
Reservations are $4 per vehicle per day. Most drive-on beaches will likely sell out this weekend, so make your reservation as soon as possible. The online system at destateparks.com/SurfTagSales opens at 11 a.m. Tuesday for Saturday reservations and 11 a.m. Wednesday for Sunday reservations.
More:Looking for cold treats at Delaware beaches? Here are 3 new places to get them
Curfews: After an increase in issues with teens earlier this month, police in Bethany Beach and Dewey Beach are enforcing curfews. In Bethany Beach, the curfew is 11 p.m. for anyone under the age of 18. It’s the same in Dewey, except on Fridays and Saturdays, when the curfew begins at midnight.
Biting beach flies: It’s that time of year, and the truth is, there’s not much you can do to avoid biting flies on the beach. Except, that is, stay home when the wind is coming from the west. If you’re currently under attack at the beach, The Nature Conservancy’s Deborah Landau has a few tips.
- Stay in the shade, where flies are less likely to attack.
- Dry off as soon as you come out of the water. Flies prefer wet skin.
- Flies are attracted to dark colors, so wear a light-colored swimsuit.
Read more about biting beach flies here.
Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on Sussex County and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com and on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught
