Heavy rain, lightning may dampen July 4th fireworks shows in Delaware

Numerous severe thunderstorms are possible the evening of July 4 across Delaware, threatening America’s 250th birthday celebrations and fireworks.

The National Weather Service issued a severe storm potential for July 4 between 3 and 11 p.m. that could bring heavy rain, damaging winds, flash flooding and lightning.

Extreme heat and humidity experienced over the past few days will fuel a storm threat across the Mid-Atlantic region.

There’s a potential for frequent cloud-to-ground lightning in the evening, making outdoors and on-the-water activities dangerous, according to the weather service.

The silver lining is that any storms will offer relief for the record-breaking and near-record-breaking high temperatures the region has felt this week.

Wilmington hit 103 degree on Thursday, July 2, breaking the day’s record previously set at 98 degrees in 1941. The city hit 102 degrees on Friday, July 3, tying the all-time daily record high originally set in 1966.

Georgetown was 102 degrees on July 3, breaking its 101-degree daily record set in 1954.

Will the storms impact Fourth of July fireworks shows?

As as 11 a.m. July 4, fireworks shows across Delaware are still on schedule for the evening.

Delaware fireworks 2026: Where to see them for America’s 250

Wilmington’s Fourth of July Celebration will bring family entertainment, food and drinks, and an orchestra performance to the Riverfront. Fireworks will launch at 9:30 p.m.

Fireworks in Dover are slated to go off near Legislative Mall at 9:15 p.m., but because of the threat of weather conditions, people are asked to arrive early at 8 p.m.

Due to the extreme heat, Bethany Beach postponed its July 3 Independence Day Parade, but its fireworks are still set to take off at 7:30 p.m. July 4.

Middletown will set off its fireworks at Silver Lake Park once it gets dark on July 4. A rain date of July 5 has been set in case storms blow in.

How hot will it be July 4?

The heat dome over the Central and Eastern United States continues to bring extreme heat to Delaware on Independence Day. Here’s how hot it’s expected to be across the First State.

• Wilmington: High near 100 degrees, with the heat index values as high as 105 degrees. Low around 74 degrees.
• Newark: High near 99 degrees, with the heat index as high as 104 degrees. A low around 73 degrees.
• Middletown: High near 99 degrees, with the heat index as high as 104 degrees. A low around 73 degrees.
• Smyrna: High near 100 degrees, with the heat index as high as 105 degrees. A low around 73 degrees.
• Dover: High near 100 degrees, with the heat index as high as 105 degrees. A low around 74 degrees.
• Milford: High near 100 degrees, with the heat index as high as 106 degrees. A low around 74 degrees.
• Georgetown: High near 101 degrees, with the heat index as high as 109 degrees. A low around 74 degrees.
• Rehoboth Beach: High near 87 degrees, with a low around 74 degrees.
• Bethany Beach: High near 87 degrees, with a low around 74 degrees.

Sophia Voight can be reached at svoight@delawareonline.com.