The State of Delaware lies along the Atlantic coast of the United States, occupying the northern two-thirds of the Delmarva Peninsula. It is the second smallest of the United States with a land area of 1,982 mi². It is surrounded by water bodies including the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay to the east, and Chesapeake Bay to the west.
The State is situated in a transition zone between humid subtropical climate conditions to the south and humid continental conditions to the north. The moderating effects of the surrounding water bodies lessen temperature extremes compared to nearby interior locations. Even so, the State has a continental climate, with cold winter temperatures, hot summers and ample precipitation throughout the year. However, annual precipitation amounts can vary greatly from one year to another.
Mean annual temperatures across the State range from 54.0 ° F in northern New Castle County to 58.1 ° F along the Atlantic coast of southern Delaware. Average annual precipitation is approximately 45” statewide.
The State is often affected by seasonally occurring severe weather including winter and spring nor-easters that can drop heavy snow and cause coastal flooding, autumn tropical systems with high winds, coastal flooding and heavy rainfall and spring and summer severe thunderstorms.
All-Time Climate Extremes for DE
| Variable | Location | Value | Date | Station ID | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24-hr Precipitation | Dover | 8.50 in. | July 13, 1975 | 072730 | E |
| 24-hr Snow Fall | Dover | 25.0 in. | February 19, 1979 | 072730 | E |
| Snow Depth | Bridgeville Wilmington Apt |
25 in. | February 19, 1979 February 18, 2003 |
071330 079595 |
N1 |
| Maximum Temperature | Millsboro | 110 °F | July 21, 1930 | 076020 | E |
| Minimum Temperature | Millsboro | -17 °F | January 17, 1893 | 076020 | E |
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