95°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
30%
24
Sussex County, DE · Delaware Bay
Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach
Fowler Beach Rd, Milton, DE 19968
A beach unit of the 10,000-acre Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge on Delaware Bay. Horseshoe crab sanctuary and piping plover nesting site — the beach is closed every spring/summer to protect federally threatened plovers and state-endangered least terns, typically reopening October 1.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · NWS alert active · 76°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly sunny. High near 95, with temperatures falling to around 89 in the afternoon. Southwest wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 7pm and 11pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11pm and 2am. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Weather
- 95°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 30% rain — pop-up showers possible
Water
- 76°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — tornado watch issued july 18 at 1:55pm edt until july 18 at 9:00pm edt by nws mount holly nj
19 /100
skip
0 Swim
34 Sunbathe
16 Walk
24 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Weather alert in effect
Tornado Watch issued July 18 at 1:55PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:43PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Air Quality Alert issued July 17 at 3:45PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Atmosphere
Air Temp
95°F
Clear
Wind
15 mph
SW
Rain
30%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
83°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
76°F
Swimming weather
Water Quality
Clean
5 #/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 13d ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:50 AM
Sunset
8:24 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:32 AM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 7:13 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 1:06 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 7:25 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:21 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 8:02 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 1:57 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 8:23 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:10 AM | High | 4.7 ft |
| 8:49 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 2:48 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 9:23 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:59 AM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 9:37 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 3:41 PM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 10:24 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:54 AM | High | 4.0 ft |
| 10:25 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 4:37 PM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 11:27 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:53 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 11:15 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 5:33 PM | High | 4.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:28 AM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 5:52 AM | High | 3.6 ft |
| 12:06 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 6:24 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8556198, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
83°
Mostly Sunny
13%
82
83°
Sunny
4%
85
86°
Showers And Thunderstorms
76%
13
85°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
76%
14
80°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
22%
74
82°
Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
15%
83
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 15 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 76°F
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 30% rain chance
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 95°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Small refuge lot at the end of Fowler Beach Rd.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on the beach.
Entry Fee
Free — no entrance fee for the refuge
Address
Fowler Beach Rd, Milton, DE 19968
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach today?
Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on the beach.
Is there an entry fee at Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach?
Entry to Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach?
Amenities at Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach include wildlife observation, beach (seasonal access).
When is the water warmest at Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach?
Delaware Bay peaks in July and August at roughly 76-80°F — warmer and calmer than the open Atlantic. Comfortable swimming mid-June through September.
Where is Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach located?
Prime Hook NWR — Fowler Beach is in Sussex County, DE, at Fowler Beach Rd, Milton, DE 19968.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS