Discover the Hottest Temperature Ever Recorded in Delaware - A Dangerously Serious Heat

Key Points

The hottest temperature ever recorded in Delaware was 110 degrees Fahrenheit on July 21st, 1930.
Delaware typically has a humid subtropical climate with warm to hot summers, but temperatures rarely go past 100 degrees.
Animals in Delaware, such as red foxes, bobcats, armadillos, snakes, and blackbirds, have different ways of staying cool during extreme heat.
To stay safe during extreme weather, it is important to stay hydrated, avoid heat stroke, and take necessary precautions.

Delaware is a state with mild temperatures, and you can generally expect a high in the mid-80s. However, that’s not the case 100% of the time. In the year of 1930, the temperature skyrocketed! We’ll tell you about the hottest temperature ever recorded in Delaware, including when it happened, why it’s so strange, and how the animals in the area beat the heat.

What was the Hottest Temperature Ever Recorded in Delaware?

It was way back on July 21st, 1930, when the town of Millsboro experienced extreme heat. That year featured the hottest temperature ever recorded in Delaware of 110 degrees Fahrenheit/43 degrees Celsius. And that doesn’t even account for humidity!

Average Temperatures in Delaware

The 110-degree day was very strange when compared to the typical weather in the area. In general, Delaware has a humid subtropical climate that usually has warm to hot summers, but they’re nowhere close to 110 degrees. The climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Appalachian Mountains on the other. The coast is generally hotter than the inland portion due to humidity.

Although the summers are considered hot, they usually only reach above 90 degrees for 15-30 days per summer. However, they rarely go past 100 degrees. Studies conducted from 1991 to 2020 show that in July, the hottest month, the warmest temperatures were between 87-89 degrees.

There’s typically one day with a maximum temperature above 90 degrees in May or early June. If you’re going to visit Delaware during the summer, go in July or August, when temperatures are mild and comfortable. During this period, temperatures will generally hover between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The last day that you’re likely to experience a day above 90 degrees is usually in September but sometimes in October.

On the other side of the coin, the lowest temperature in Delaware was also measured in Millsboro on January 17, 1893, when it reached -17 degrees Fahrenheit.

How the Animals Beat the Heat

This bobcat climbed an oak tree to better view its hunting grounds in central California. — Many native Delaware animals, including the bobcat, have their own methods for keeping cool.
©iStock.com/brentawp

There are many animals that call Delaware home, and they need to find ways to beat the heat, especially during record temperatures. Each of the species below has its own way of staying cool:

Red Fox

The red fox is able to control its body temperature by regulating heat exchange with the environment.

Bobcat

Another of the state’s natives, the bobcat, could outlast the hottest temperature ever recorded. Other than having an internal mechanism to regulate their body temperature, bobcats also tend to sleep during the day to avoid the heat. Dens are created in cool places, like under rocks.

Armadillo

The armadillo digs a burrow deep into the ground and rests there for about 16 hours during the day to stay out of the heat. They come out and feed and explore around dusk and dawn when it’s cooler.

Snakes

While they are cold-blooded, snakes can still overheat when the temperatures get extra hot. They can adjust their body temperature by submerging themselves in water or moving into the shade. A snake may be so brazen as to hang out in your pool when it gets desperate.

Blackbird

Many bird species, including the blackbird, can handle hot weathe by panting or gular fluttering (vibrating the throat). They can also cool down by releasing water vapor through their skin.

How Humans Can Stay Safe

If you live in the state, be smart about how to avoid danger in extreme weather. Failure to stay safe can result in dehydration, heat stroke, and even death.

Keep your eye on the weather reports, and when it’s about to get hot, do the following:

Stay in the air conditioning as much as possible and avoid going outside unless necessary.
Drink water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
If you work outside, then take several breaks and go inside to recharge.
Wear loose and light-fitting clothing to avoid absorbing unnecessary heat.
Try to avoid salty snacks and minerals and replace them with sports drinks.
Check the news for safety updates.
Never leave children or pets in cars.

Conclusion

It’s incredible the state of Delaware saw temperatures as high as 110 degrees. If it’s happened before, then it can happen again, so be cautious and stay safe.

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About the Author

Justin Zipprich

Justin Zipprich is a writer at A-Z Animals, where his primary focus is travel, state facts, pets, and mammals. Justin has been writing and editing animal content for over 7 years, though he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Instructional Technology from Western Illinois University, which he earned in 2005. As a resident of Texas, he loves discovering local animals and spending time with his wife and two kids.

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