A cold front is coming to Florida.
Before you get too excited, we first have to get through July 29, and don’t expect temps to drop much.
Extreme heat warnings have been issued for 33 counties, and heat advisories have been issued for 19 of Florida’s 67 counties.
Shop Amazon to stay cool in Florida heat
The heat index could get as high as 115 today in some areas, and forecasters are warning residents and visitors to take precautions to avoid heat illnesses.
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July 29 will be a “transition day as an atypical summertime cold front” moves south into the southeastern U.S., according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
A combination of factors means many Florida residents could see strong to severe thunderstorms July 29.
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Extreme heat is a killer and should be taken seriously. More than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control
Here’s what you should know.
What is an extreme heat warning and how do you stay safe?
The National Weather Service will issue an extreme heat warning when extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring.
National Weather Service weather warnings for Florida
Extreme heat warning issued for 33 Florida counties July 29
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for 33 of Florida’s 67 counties, far more than the 13 heat warnings issued July 28.
Watch for “dangerous heat and humidity throughout much of North and North-Central Florida” the Florida Division of Emergency Management said.
“High temperatures are expected to soar into the upper 90s to near 100-degrees throughout much of the area given ample sunshine before any afternoon thunderstorm development.
“Oppressive humidity will accompany this heat, making temperatures feel like the upper 100s to middle 110s. Afew locations, especially along the coastlines, may even briefly touch heat indices near 117 degrees,” the Florida Division of Emergency Management said.
The extreme heat warning is largely due to the heat index, which could get as high as 115 July 29. Actual temperatures are forecast to be between 95 and 100 in Northeast Florida, according to Will Corless, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Jacksonville via phone call July 29.
It’s possible Jacksonville could break or come close to its record high of 101 July 29, Corless said.
“Know the signs of heat exhaustion including feeling dizzy, excessive sweating, muscle cramps, and nausea,” the National Weather Service Jacksonville posted on X.
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 elderly and pets.
Heat advisories issued for 19 Florida counties July 29
Heat advisories have been issued for 19 Florida counties July 29.
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 become seriously ill or even die.
‘Cold front’ to stall over North Florida
A cold front is expected to stall over North Florida later this afternoon or early evening, Corless said.
The Storm Prediction Center’s forecast is for a slight risk for severe storms, destructive winds and hail.
We likely can expect showers and storms developing in the afternoon and evening hours through the weekend,” Corless said.
Any thunderstorms could become locally strong to severe and capable of producing lightning, gusty winds of 40 to 55 mph, and torrential downpours to North and Central Florida, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Saharan dust expected to reduce rain threat in South Florida
Saharan dust is forecast to “begin to filter into South Florida on Wednesday (July 29), suppressingshower and thunderstorm activity,” according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
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Florida heat index interactive map
Radar shows location of Florida storms
What is the heat index mean and why is it important?
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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 at greater risk than 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
Symptoms you’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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Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://tallahassee.com/newsletters.
