An oppressive heat wave tightening its grip on the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend has prompted the National Weather Service to issue an Extreme Heat Warning for the Tallahassee area, with “feels like” temperatures expected to soar as high as 117 degrees.
It’s also prompted Leon County to open all of its libraries as cooling stations as officials activate their extreme heat action plan.
The warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for portions of the western Florida Big Bend and eastern Florida Panhandle, including the capital city and county. Elsewhere across the region, a Heat Advisory remains in place as dangerous conditions continue for another day.
The heat will bring us close to record setting territory, but isn’t expected to break the daily highs. The forecast over the next three days is 98 in Tallahassee. A daily temperature record for Aug. 17 was set with 99 in 2000, Aug. 18 saw 100 in 1993 and Aug. 19 saw 101 in the same year.
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Regardless of records, there is not much relief in sight.
“A little bit drier air from the northeast will take the edge off” and reduce humidity levels toward the end of the week, according to National Weather Service – Tallahassee meteorologist Wright Dobbs.
But temps will remain well above average. The average highs for this time of year in Tallahassee is 91.
‘Unrelenting heat wave’ continues
The weather service said heat index values, or what the temperature feels like when humidity is factored in, could reach between 110 and 117 degrees in warning areas. Heat index values between 105 and 112 degrees are expected elsewhere.
“We’re still firmly locked into this unrelenting heat wave for much of this week,” forecasters wrote in Monday morning’s forecast discussion.
Actual temperatures are forecast to rise into the mid- to upper 90s Monday, with some communities potentially reaching the 100-degree mark. Overnight conditions will provide little relief, as lows are expected to remain in the upper 70s to around 80 degrees.
“Very warm nighttime temperatures offer little relief,” the weather service said in a hazardous weather outlook.
The warning comes amid a Level 4 “Extreme” Heat Risk designation from the National Weather Service, which describes rare or long-duration heat with little overnight recovery. Forecasters warned that the conditions can affect anyone who lacks adequate cooling or hydration.
Residents are urged to limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, seek air-conditioned spaces and check on vulnerable family members, neighbors and pets.
“If you have AC, use it. Fans may not be adequate,” the weather service said in a public safety graphic released Monday morning.
Scattered afternoon thunderstorms could provide brief relief in some locations, particularly along the Interstate 10 corridor. However, forecasters cautioned that storms may bring strong wind gusts, frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall.
The weather service said a slight break in the heat wave may arrive later this week, potentially leading to a more active pattern of thunderstorms across the region.
Until then, forecasters expect dangerous heat conditions to remain the area’s primary weather threat.
“Prevent heat-related illness by reducing outdoor time during peak daylight hours and stay hydrated,” the National Weather Service advised.
Florida heat index interactive map
Leon County activates extreme heat action plan, opens libraries as cooling stations
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Leon County, in effect Monday, Aug. 17, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with heat index values up to 115 degrees expected. In response, Leon County has activated its extreme heat response, and every County library location will be open Monday as a cooling station. All six branch libraries, which are normally closed on Mondays, will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cooling stations offer water, restrooms, activities and indoor, air-conditioned space for anyone seeking relief from the heat. The LeRoy Collins Leon County Main Library will be open its regular Monday hours, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Residents who need relief today can visit the Main Library, open until 6 p.m. Sunday.
Cooling station locations for Monday, Aug. 17
“Leon County prepares for extreme weather in all its forms, and that includes heat,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Christian Caban. “County Emergency Management teams are focused on the forecast and responding now. I want to thank the first responders and County employees who will be working in these conditions to keep our community safe. Every County library will be open Monday as a cooling station, so please take care of yourself, check on your neighbors and use these facilities if you need relief.”
How the County is protecting the community
National Weather Service heat safety tips
National Weather Service issues heat advisories for entire state of Florida
Portions of this weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: ‘Unrelenting heat wave’: How hot will it get in Tallahassee?
Reporting by Staff reports, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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By Staff reports, Tallahassee Democrat | USA TODAY Network
