‘Dangerous Heat’ Advisory Issued for Parts of Florida as Heat Index Could Spike to 112 Degrees

Zachary Stieber
By Zachary Stieber
July 3, 2019US News
share
‘Dangerous Heat’ Advisory Issued for Parts of Florida as Heat Index Could Spike to 112 Degrees
A woman in the water off Key Biscayne, Florida, in a file photo. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

A heat advisory was issued for parts of Florida on July 3, with one local meteorologist calling the expected high temperatures “dangerous heat.”

The National Weather Service said that a combination of warm temperatures and humid conditions was expected to produce very warm heat index readings on Wednesday afternoon in south Florida, spiking as high as 107 degrees Fahrenheit.

“The highest heat index readings are expected to affect western parts of interior South Florida. People involved in outdoor activities should exercise caution,” the service stated in an alert.

The service said in an alert for central Florida that high temperatures in between 94 degrees and 97 degrees were expected along with heat indexes between 108 and 112 degrees.

“The high heat index values could lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke for those outdoors,” the service stated.

“A Heat Advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids … stay in an air-conditioned room … stay out of the sun … and check up on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions … if you work or spend time outside,” it added.

“When possible … reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.”

The heat advisory was in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

WFTV meteorologist Brian Shields said that the widespread advisory was rare, “because it is Florida and we are used to the heat.”

The broadcaster said in a report that based on its forecasts, the heat index could reach as high as 112 degrees in many parts of central Florida.

“This is dangerous heat, especially for those with breathing issues, kids, and the elderly,” Shields said.

The “abnormally hot temperatures” were due in part to “low daytime cloud cover and rain chances,” the National Weather Service said on its website.

Afternoon heat indices of around 105 degrees or so are forecast from through July 4, the service said.

According to Fox 13 meteorologists, temperatures in Florida rarely reach the higher 90s in the summertime.

‘Take it Easy’

“You just need to take it easy outside. Try to find a way to stay cool. Don’t go for those 5-mile runs like you’re used to. I’m going to stay inside, but that’s just me,” Fox meteorologist Dave Osterberg said.

He noted that if thunderstorms materialize, the temperature will drop some.

“We’re going to get to a point during the day where it’s going to get hot, hot, and hot, and the air is going to start to rise. It’s going to reach a point where it continues to rise, and produce these isolated scattered thunderstorms,” he explained.

He added: “A few of those may be on the strong side. It’s not going to sneak upon you either, you’ll hear that thunder coming.”

ntd newsletter icon
Sign up for NTD Daily
What you need to know, summarized in one email.
Stay informed with accurate news you can trust.
By registering for the newsletter, you agree to the Privacy Policy.
Comments