If you thought it was hot last week, get ready for some unwelcome news, especially today, July 28.
Extreme heat warnings, extreme heat watches and heat advisories are in effect across Florida, with the notable exception being none in South Florida.
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On July 27, Tampa hit 100 degrees — which was the actual temperature, not the heat index — the hottest temperature recorded since record keeping began in 1890.
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Here’s what you should know about the heat warnings and watches in effect and what they mean.
Heat warnings, watches, advisories in effect across Florida
Quick look at conditions around Florida Monday, July 28
Extreme heat warnings issued for Jacksonville, Northeast Florida
Heat warnings are in effect until 7 p.m. for the following counties:
What is an extreme heat warning?
An extreme heat warning is issued when dangerous heat is happening or about to happen. Residents are advised to take action.
“An extreme heat warning is issued when extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring,” the National Weather Service said.
When is an extreme heat warning issued in Florida?
There are slight differences around the state on when extreme heat warnings are issued:
What should you do when there is an extreme heat warning?
“Avoid outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade,” the National Weather Service said.
“Stay indoors in an air-conditioned space as much as possible, including overnight. Check on family and neighbors,” especially children, the elderly and pets.
Extreme heat watch issued for 15 Florida counties
An extreme heat watch is in effect for the following counties:
What is an extreme heat watch?
An extreme heat watch is issued when dangerous heat is possible and residents are encouraged to be prepared.
“An extreme heat watch is issued when conditions are favorable for an extreme heat event but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain.”
There are different criteria around Florida used by the National Weather Service to issue an extreme heat watch:
What should you do when there is an extreme heat watch?
“Plan to suspend all major outdoor activities if a warning is issued. If you do not have air conditioning, locate the nearest cooling shelter or discuss staying with nearby family or friends who have air conditioning.”
Make sure children, the elderly and pets have a place to cool off during the heat, the National Weather Service said.
Heat advisory issued for 49 Florida counties
A heat advisory is in effect for the following counties:
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.”
Tampa, Florida, sets record high temperature of 100 degrees
On Sunday, July 27, Tampa set an all-time record high temperature of 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay.
The prior record was 99, set on June 26, 2020.
The National Weather Service Tampa Bay explained why it’s unusual for the area to get temperatures as high as 100.
“Why has Tampa never hit 100? The airport sits on the edge of Tampa Bay. The sea breeze is usually able to move in and cool things down before temps can quite get that hot. A combo of multiple hot, dry days and a strong NE wind kept that from happening today (July 27), breaking the record,” the agency posted on X.
Records date back to April 1, 1890.
Heat index and temperature map for US, Florida
National Hurricane Center tracking 4 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 three in the Caribbean.
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This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Dangerous heat prompts NWS to issue extreme heat warnings in Florida. Heat index could hit 115
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
