The heat index could hit 110 degrees in South Florida. Here’s what you should do now
With little chance for storms Friday and Saturday, South Florida could be flirting with a heat index of 110 degrees, the National Weather Service says.
And even if it doesn’t hit that heat peak, the index range’s low range — what it will really feel like on highs near 90 — is 105 degrees on both days, the service said in a hazardous weather outlook.
What should you do to beat the heat?
▪ “Drink plenty of water and exercise caution if involved in outdoor activities,” forecasters in Miami said.
▪ Never leave your children or pets in an unattended car on a hot day — even with the windows rolled down. Don’t sit inside the parked car for too long while you’re waiting for someone to run errands, either, unless you can run the AC.
▪ Avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day, too. Think how hot that pavement gets and you’re wearing shoes.
▪ Reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, such as work or exercise, to early morning or evening hours if you can — and wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing.
▪ If you are overcome by the heat get to a cool and shaded location.
▪ Heat stroke is an emergency situation so call 911 if you feel you are suffering symptoms or see someone else in that condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, these heat stroke symptoms could include nausea, flushed skin, high body temperature or altered mental behavior.
Rain and thunderstorm chances
It’s summer in South Florida so you can almost always expect some afternoon storms, but Friday that chance is just 20%.
However, by late afternoon some storms were brewing. The National Weather Service issued a significant weather advisory for North Central Miami-Dade County through 5:30 p.m. Friday given some strong winds and the chance for funnel clouds.
Saturday, the storm chances bump up to 40% and Sunday is the best bet at 60%.
But even with that increased chance for wet weather, forecasters still say the high is going to be 90 degrees on Sunday and that heat index is going to remain scorching in the triple digits.
This story was originally published August 28, 2020 at 10:46 AM.
