Heat advisory extended — again — for South Florida. What the forecast says
The roasting, toasting that South Florida has been feeling all summer has continued with yet another heat advisory extension.
A heat advisory, issued daily since Aug. 6, will continue through Monday evening for Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. It now includes mainland Monroe, too, and the Florida Keys.
Heat index values, or how the temperature feels, will reach 105-110 degrees between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service in Miami.
But the advisory could be elevated to an excessive heat warning Monday if the index holds at or above 110 degrees for at least two hours.
There may be a barrier, however.
Are storms coming?
Early afternoon storms on Monday could deliver some rain to South Florida and prevent authorities from issuing an excessive heat warning, National Weather Service meteorologist George Rizzuto told the Miami Herald. But the warning is still a possibility, he cautioned.
“We are going to have to monitor it overnight,” Rizzuto said.
According to Rizzuto, the maximum rain chance for Broward and Miami-Dade on Monday is around 40%.
“As the sea breeze starts to move inland, we might see some showers and storms start to pop up between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.,” Rizzuto said.
Heat index values of up to 110 degrees are expected Tuesday in South Florida, the weather agency says. The last excessive heat warning was issued Thursday.
How to stay cool
Extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heart attacks, stroke and even kidney failure, according to Miami-Dade County’s website.
To prevent this, here’s what you can do:
▪ Spend time in air-conditioned buildings if you can.
▪ Avoid direct contact with the sun.
▪ Reduce physical activity and move to shaded areas.
▪ Do outdoor activities in the cooler morning or evening hours.
▪ Cool your body down quickly by wearing a wet scarf, bandana or shirt.
▪ Drink plenty of water and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more.
▪ Limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol. They can be dehydrating.
Authorities are also asking the public to check on friends, family and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to heat, and to never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car.
This story was originally published August 12, 2023 at 12:28 PM with the headline "Heat advisory extended — again — for South Florida. What the forecast says."
