Intense heat continues across Florida today. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for 13 counties and a heat advisory for 37 counties, meaning more than half the state will experience dangerous heat.
Here in Duval County and the Jacksonville area, a heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. for all of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Temperatures this afternoon will climb into the mid to upper 90s, and heat index values are expected to reach 108 to 112 degrees.
Due to extreme heat conditions, forecasters are advising anyone spending time outdoors to take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, and limit strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
Here’s what to expect in Jacksonville and how to stay
safe during extreme heat conditions.
What's the weather in Jacksonville today and rest of the week?
According to the National Weather Service, here's what to expect:
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny and hot with a high of 99 and a low of 79. Heat index values could reach 110 degrees. A 10% chance of a late afternoon shower or thunderstorm after 4 p.m., with dry conditions overnight.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot with a high of 99 and a low of 76 . Heat index values may climb to 111. A 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m., increasing to a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms Wednesday night.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny with a high of 94 and a low of 75. A 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, developing late morning and continuing into the evening before tapering off overnight.
- Friday: Partly to mostly sunny with a high of 94 and a low of 75 . A 50% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, followed by a 30% chance of lingering showers and thunderstorms Friday night.
Heat Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. for all of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia
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How to stay safe during an extreme heat warning?
Extreme heat is a killer and should be taken seriously. More than700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control
National Weather Service weather warnings for Florida
➤What's the best temperature to set your AC in Florida heat wave?
Extreme heat warning issued for 13 Florida counties July 28. See list:
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT July 28 for the following counties:
- Bay
- Calhoun
- Escambia
- Franklin
- Gadsden
- Gulf
- Leon
- Liberty
- Okaloosa
- Santa Rosa
- Wakulla
- Walton
- Washington
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.
"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. Stay indoors in an air-conditioned space as much as possible, including overnight. Check on family and neighbors," especially children, the elderlyand pets.
Heat advisories issued for 37 Florida counties July 28
Heat advisories have been issued for 37 Florida counties July 27.
The National Weather Service Tallahassee warned residents it will be "hot, hot hot! The heat index today could reach 105-115 degrees, and maybe higher Wednesday (July 29).
"Take every precaution to stay cool in this high-end heat."
What is a heat advisory?
A heat advisory is one of several types of health alerts issued by the National Weather Service. A heat advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions.
The general rule of thumb for this advisory is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 100 degrees or higher for at least two days, and nighttime air temperatures will not drop below 75 degrees. These criteria vary across the country, especially for areas that are not used to dangerous heat conditions.
In Florida, except for Miami-Dade County, the National Weather Services offices around the state would issue a heat advisory if the heat index is expected to reach 108 to 112 degrees. The National Weather Service Miami said Miami/Dade County wanted a lower threshold for an advisory for its population, which was set at 105 degrees.
If a heat advisory is issued, take precautions to avoid heat illness. If you don't take precautions, you may becomeseriously ill or even die.
Florida heat index interactive map
Radar shows location of Florida storms
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.
"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.
What is the heat index mean and why is it important?
The heat index measures how how it really feels outside, according to the National Weather Service. It's sort of the summer equivalent of the wind chill factor our more northerly neighbors watch in the winter.
The heat index is calculated based on two factors:
- Air temperature
- Relative humidity
Important point: Heat index values were devised for shady, light wind conditions. Exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Who is most at risk during extreme heat?
Anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, but some people are atgreater riskthan others, according to the CDC, including:
- People, especially children, with asthma.
- People with heart disease.
- Pregnant women.
- People 65 years of age or older.
- People who are working or exercising outside in the heat.
- Infants and young children.
Symptoms of heat-related illness
Symptomsyou're becoming overheated include:
- Muscle cramping
- Unusually heavy sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Weakness
- Nausea
What can you do when it is this hot outside?
The CDC offered this advice on how to stay cool:
- Outside
- Stay in the shade as much as possible.
- Take breaks when you can.
- Do outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day or evening, if possible.
- Inside
- Use fans, but only if indoor temperatures are less than 90 degrees. In temperatures above 90, a fan can increase body temperature.
- Use air conditioning or find a location that has one by dialing 211, visiting the National Center for Healthy Housing's Cooling Centers by State page, or by contacting your local health department or emergency management agency.
- Check on your family, friends, and neighbors, especially if they have chronic medical problems or live alone.
- Check on pets.
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Doris Alvarez is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for The Florida Times-Union. You can get all of Jacksonville’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Daily Briefing and News Alerts newsletters at jacksonville.com/newsletters
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Heat advisory for 37 Florida counties. How hot will Duval County get?
