Some relief may be in sight when it comes to the dangerous heat and humidity Florida residents have experienced lately.
A “more typical thunderstorm pattern” is expected as a weak cold front approaches Florida Friday and Saturday, Aug. 1 and Aug. 2, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
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Widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected across North Florida Aug. 2, with scattered showers predicted for Central Florida and isolated showers for South Florida.
Until then, though, dangerous heat and humidity are expected to continue through the middle of the week, with heat advisories and a heat index in the 100s and lower 110s.
Don’t expect Florida temperatures to drop dramatically. Highs are forecast to range from the upper 80s into the low to mid 90s by the end of the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
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Heat warnings, watches, advisories in effect across Florida
Quick look at conditions around Florida Wednesday, July 30
How long will Florida heat last? When will it get cooler?
Higher-than-average temperatures are “going to last for a good part of the work week,” said Matt Volkmer, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Melbourne in a phone interview Tuesday morning.
“It’s going to be pretty hot this week and we expect more heat advisories, especially for the interior.”
There may be some relief in sight for the weekend or early next week. Note the word “some.”
Models are showing temperatures could drop closer to average due to the cooling effects of storms and cloud cover, Volkmer said.
Florida’s west coast should start seeing temps dip today, July 30, into the mid to low 90s instead of the upper 90s, with a heat index of Florida normal, about 105,” Stephen Shiveley, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Tampa Bay said in a telephone interview Tuesday morning.
By Sunday or Monday, “we may finally get closer to average, with a chance for rain, although the chances for rain on the west coast” are lower than along the east coast and Central Florida, Shiveley said.
Heat advisory issued for 58 Florida counties
A heat advisory is in effect for the following counties Wednesday, July 30:
What is a heat advisory?
A heat advisory is issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria, according to the National Weather Service.
When a heat advisory is issued also depends on where you are in Florida.
For most of the state, a heat advisory is issued if the heat index is expected to be between 108 to 112 degrees.
Here is the breakdown by each NWS region. A heat advisory is issued when the heat index is expected to be:
The National Weather Service Miami said Miami/Dade County wanted a lower threshold for a heat advisory for its population.
What should you do when there is a heat advisory?
“Residents are advised to consider postponing or rescheduling outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day,” the National Weather Service said.
“If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay in a cool place, especially during the heat of the day and evening.”
Heat index and temperature map for US, Florida
Expected temperatures across Florida through first weekend of August
National Hurricane Center tracking four tropical waves
All is quiet in the tropics, with no development expected over the next seven days. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring four tropical waves, including two in the Caribbean.
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This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Will it get cooler in Florida soon? See what to expect this week and into weekend
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Treasure Coast Newspapers
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
