Brace for another scorching week in South Florida. How bad? What the forecast says
The workweek is already off to a scorching start in South Florida.
The National Weather Service in Miami extended the heat advisory for Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. That means it could feel as hot as 110 degrees outside.
Heat advisories have been a trend this summer, with one issued every day since Aug. 6. And that heat is here to stay for the rest of the week. The heat index is expected to be as high as 105.
An excessive heat advisory is in effect for South Florida until 7 p.m. Tuesday, said CBS Miami meteorologist Lissette Gonzalez.
The weather service declares an excessive heat warning if the index holds at or above 110 degrees for at least two hours. The last excessive heat warning was on Thursday.
It’s also likely to be a wet week. Thunderstorms are a daily possibility, though chances peak during the afternoon and early evening. Heavy rain, expected mostly during the middle of the week, could even cause street flooding.
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. Here’s what you can do to stay safe.
▪ 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.
Miami Herald staff writers Howard Cohen and Omar Rodríguez Ortiz contributed to this report.
This story was originally published August 14, 2023 at 5:16 PM.
