Florida under excessive heat warning or heat advisory. Will feel like 110 or higher

In a rare move, the National Weather Service Thursday issued heat advisories across the entire state and more severe excessive heat warnings in the Panhandle, with ‘feels like’ temperatures hovering around 115 degrees in the northern part of the state.

Excessive heat warnings, where temperatures can feel like 110 degrees and higher, are rare and represent a higher level of concern compared to heat advisories.

In South Florida, which is under a heat advisory but not the excessive heat warning, “feels like” temperatures will surpass triple digits, up to 109 degrees in Miami and Broward and 111 degrees in the Keys. The advisory is in effect from effect from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We have southwesterly flow over the area, bringing in warm air from the Gulf, a lot of moisture over the area. So, those are factors contributing to these conditions,” said NWS Miami Meteorologist Ana Torres-Vazquez.

In the Florida Panhandle, including Panama City and Tallahassee, temperatures could feel up to 115, where there is a more serious excessive heat warning until 8 p.m. Thursday.

In Tallahassee, a lack of sea breezes and no thunderstorms can explain why the heat indices are so high on Thursday, according to Meteorologist Mark Wool.

What is an Excessive Heat Warning vs. a Heat advisory?

An Excessive Heat Warning is issued if the heat index, which factors in humidity, is forecast to reach 105°F or higher for at least two consecutive days, with nighttime temperatures remaining above 75°F.

“We’ve had heat advisories across the region, particularly in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. That in itself, is not particularly rare, but the excessive warnings are,” said Torres-Vazquez.

A Heat Advisory is issued if the heat index is forecast to reach 100°F or higher for at least two consecutive days, with nighttime temperatures remaining above 75°F.

Specifically, the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory for Miami-Dade and Broward when a heat index of 105°F or higher is anticipated for at least two hours. For the Keys, the advisory is issued when a heat index of 108° or more is expected for at least two hours.

For Miami-Dade and Broward counties to be issued an excessive heat warning, the heat index would have have to reach 110° or more; for the Keys, it would have to reach 113° or higher.

Tips for dealing with the heat

The weather service recommends staying indoors and drinking plenty of fluids during this heat advisory. Remain in air-conditioned environments, limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and check on relatives and neighbors.

Opt for lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing, and protect yourself from UV rays with a hat and sunscreen when outdoors.

If you need to be outside, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration advises taking frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. Seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 if you experience symptoms like light-headedness, confusion, weakness, or fainting.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat-related symptoms include:

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, a potentially fatal illness that occurs when the body’s temperature rises quickly and the body can’t cool itself down.

▪ Heavy sweating

▪ Cold, pale, and clammy skin

▪ Rapid, weak pulse

▪ Fainting

▪ Excessive thirst

Heat stroke

Heat stroke can be deadly and occurs when the body temperature spikes very quickly.

Symptoms include:

▪ Body temperature rising to 106°F or higher within 10-15 minutes.

▪ Lack of sweating

▪ Skin feeling hot to the touch

▪ Confusion

▪ Rapid, strong pulse

▪ Loss of consciousness