Sussex County gives residents chance to chill out

With the summer’s drought-like conditions and another round of extreme heat forecasted, authorities in Southern Delaware are taking steps to help keep residents cool.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch as temperatures in Sussex County on Friday and Saturday will approach, if not hit, 100 degrees.

Meantime, heat index values could surge to 110 degrees both days. Temperatures should retreat a bit into the low to mid-90s by Sunday, but the hot weather could extend well into next week.

To cope with the extreme weather, 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.

“High heat combined with high humidity can be a killer,” said Sussex County Emergency Medical Services Director Robert Stuart. “If you are feeling hot and uncomfortable, use caution, common sense and take steps to avoid heat stress.”

To give residents a chance to escape the heat, Sussex County government is designating four facilities as “cooling stations,” which are open and available beginning today. The air-conditioned facilities available to the public include:

County Administration Building

2 The Circle

Georgetown, DE

7 a.m.-10 p.m. M-F

South Coastal Library

43 Kent Ave.

Bethany Beach, DE

10 a.m.-8 p.m. M-Th; 1-5 p.m. F;

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat

Milton Library

121 Union Street

Milton, DE

10 a.m.-8 p.m. M-F; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.

Greenwood Library

100 Mill Street

Greenwood, DE

10 a.m.-8 p.m. M, T, Th, F; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. W;

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat.