‘It will feel much hotter’: Heat index over 100 expected in South Florida, forecasters say
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South Florida is in for another hot week, with temperatures expected to feel like more than 100 degrees. There’s also a slight chance the region will get some Saharan dust later this week, according to forecasters.
“With moisture in the air, it’ll feel much hotter,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Sammy Hadi. His advice? Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, stay hydrated and don’t stray too far from the A/C for too long.
“New week, same summer-like weather for South FL!” the National Weather Service in Miami wrote on Twitter.
With that heat index breaking 100, Hadi said the weather is going to feel pretty oppressive and muggy.
“Especially this time of year, it’s very important to be aware of the forecast,” Hadi said. “Heat is actually one of the greatest weather hazards because it can sneak up on you.”
Heat index in particular is important to pay attention to, because your body reacts to how hot it feels out — not necessarily how hot it actually is.
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The heat index was in the lower 100s across most of South Florida on Monday, though some areas could have felt it even higher, according to the weather service’s hazardous weather outlook.
What about the rest of the week?
Forecasters expect temps will rise into the low 90s, with the heat continuing to feel like more than 100 most of the week. The forecast is also calling for lots of rain later in the week, with a 70% chance of showers Thursday and 60% chance of rain Friday.
“As time goes on, things should favor the west coast and interior,” Hadi said, adding that as the wind shifts directions, we’re likely to see storms migrate to the other side of Florida.
The weather service says the higher rain chances are due to tropical moisture in the area. It has nothing to do with the soon-to-be disturbance that could bring heavy rain to portions of the northern Gulf coast from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle this week, according to forecasters.
WSVN Meteorologist Vivian Gonzalez said there’s a chance South Florida might get some Saharan Dust later this week, which could lower the region’s rain chances.
The good news: A weekend trip to the Keys is looking good. The island chain is set to have 30% chance of rain this week.
Staff reporter Omar Rodríguez Ortiz contributed to this report.
This story was originally published July 11, 2022 at 9:56 PM.
