In some parts of South Florida, it felt like 103 degrees. Will the heat stick around?
Put away the umbrellas and slather on some sunscreen as South Florida endures blistering temperatures this week, with a hot summer well on the way. It felt like over 100 degrees Monday, nearly breaking local records — and the heat won’t stop.
How hot are we talking about?
The National Weather Service said temperatures in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties reached the lower 90s Monday. For some inland areas of the region, it could feel even hotter in the afternoon.
The region’s heat index swelled to 103 degrees in Miami-Dade, which was just two degrees shy of beating a record. This spawned an excessive heat warning that remains in place through Sunday.
Yeah, welcome to summer — even though it technically starts next week.
As summer campers enjoy afternoons swimming and cooling down by the water at the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables or families get ready for yearly Florida vacations, one has to ask: Just how hot are we talking?
How much heat?
Excessive heat is in the forecast for the immediate future and likely the coming weeks, according to the weather service’s hazardous weather outlook.
Miami-Dade and Broward are forecast to see highs in the low 90s all week, with temperatures in some areas possibly feeling like it’s 100 degrees or more, forecasters said.
The heat index will stay above 100 degrees for most of the week throughout South Florida.
Brian McNoldy, senior research associate at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School, describes the heat index as a “discomfort index.”
“When you’re in like, kind of 95 degrees and above, it definitely starts to feel pretty uncomfortable out there,” he said. “So on if it’s 100 or above, it’s even worse, you can stand being outside even less because you have a harder time keeping yourself cool.”
While Miami’s current index is high, around 103 degrees, it hasn’t yet broken any records, he said.
According to data collected by McNoldy, June 13’s heat index record is 104.3 degrees, with the average high being around 96.2 degrees.
The hottest weather is still to come, McNoldy said. Miami’s hottest temperatures usually are seen the first week or two of August.
This extreme heat has moved Miami-Dade County to designate May through October the “heat season.” Like hurricane season, county shelters will be available to people who can’t safely stay home.
READ MORE HERE: You’ve heard of hurricane season. Now Miami-Dade is introducing ‘heat season’
Will there be rain to temper off the heat?
Miami-Dade and Broward have a 30% chance of rain Tuesday, with isolated showers and thunderstorms possible in inland areas, according to the weather service.
For the rest of the week, forecasters say thunderstorms will be possible each afternoon, with locally heavy rainfall and lightning.
How to protect yourself and loved ones from high heat
When the sun starts beating down on South Florida, it’s important to remember to take precautions as one would for any other weather event, such as thunderstorms, flooding and hurricanes.
The weather service says young children, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women are all vulnerable to high heat.
“If you’re able to, don’t do a lot of outside work during the hottest part of the day, between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., when it’s most uncomfortable,” McNoldy said. “Obviously, if you work outdoors, just be mindful you drink a lot of fluids.”
Here’s ways you can practice heat safety:
▪ At home: Keep the AC running and invite those in who you know don’t have it. Keep in touch with elderly or sick friends and family.
▪ In your car: Never leave a child, pet or disabled person unattended in the car. The weather service says 23 children died in hot cars in 2021.
▪ When you’re outside: Limit strenuous activities and stay hydrated. Make sure to take breaks as needed in the shade or inside with AC.
This story was originally published June 13, 2022 at 8:27 AM.
