National Weather Service Issues Extreme Heat Warning for Wilmington

Post Date:06/24/2025 12:17 PM

 Eligible City seniors can obtain FREE fans. City spray parks and pools open. List of sites available as cooling stations.

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WILMINGTON, DE - Mayor John Carney and Emergency Management Director Willie Patrick are reminding residents that the U.S. National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning [wilmingtonde.us9.list-manage.com] for Wilmington and New Castle County continuing through Wednesday, June 25, at 8:00 p.m. This alert signifies a high risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The heat index is expected to reach up to 106°F.

Spray Parks, Pools, and Cooling Stations are open:

Parks Acting Director Melody Phillips confirms that all City swimming pools and spray parks are open and available to the public. Residents can find the full summer pool and spray park schedule at WilmingtonDE.gov [wilmingtonde.us9.list-manage.com]. For more information, call (302) 571-4266.

Cooling Centers in Wilmington include:

Free Electric Fan Distribution for Seniors [wilmingtonde.us9.list-manage.com]
Mayor Carney also reminds eligible senior residents of Wilmington that the Office of Constituent Services continues distributing FREE electric fans on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the 7th floor of the Redding Government Building, 800 North French Street.

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Must be 65 years or older
  • Must live within City of Wilmington limits
  • Must provide valid ID for proof of age and residency
  • Must not have received a fan in 2024
  • One fan per household while supplies last
Please Note: Fans should not be used when temperatures exceed 95°F, as they may worsen heat-related health risks by creating a false sense of cooling.

Heat Safety Tips
Residents and visitors are urged to follow these safety tips to protect themselves and others:
  • Check on vulnerable neighbors, including seniors, people with disabilities, and families with small children.
  • Never leave children, seniors, or pets in parked cars—temperatures can become deadly within minutes.
  • Drink plenty of fluids—prefer water and fruit juices, and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
  • Wear loose, light-colored clothing and protect your head and face with a hat if outdoors.
  • Reschedule strenuous activities to the early morning or evening, and take frequent breaks in shade.
  • Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces when possible—visit libraries, malls, or community centers.
  • Know the signs of heat-related illness, including exhaustion, cramps, or heat stroke. Call 9-1-1 immediately in an emergency.

Stay informed, stay cool, and stay safe. Visit WilmingtonDE.gov [wilmingtonde.us9.list-manage.com] for real-time updates, pool schedules, and a full list of cooling station locations across the city.

 

 

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COMMUNITY AND MEDIA INQUIRIES:

Daniel T. Walker
Deputy Chief of Staff
City of Wilmington, Office of the Mayor
Office: (302) 576-2100
Email:dtwalker@wilmingtonde.gov

 

Matt Ford
Director of Communications
Office: (302) 576-2100
Email:mford@wilmingtonde.gov

 

Ryan Paden
Deputy Director of Communications
Office: (302) 576-2100
Email:rpaden@WilmingtonDE.gov

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