Heat advisories issued in Southern Florida amid record-breaking heat wave

05/22/2024 / By Olivia Cook

Miami-Dade and Monroe counties in Florida are under heat advisories due to an unprecedented heat wave. The National Weather Station (NWS) in Miami issued its first Heat Advisory of 2024 – in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 17, for Miami-Dade county, which has not seen an advisory in at least 15 years.

Miami is currently experiencing a heat index that could exceed 107 degrees. According to AccuWeather, Key West recorded a heat index of 115 degrees on May 15 – tying to its highest ever as temperatures reached 92 degrees.

The heat is similarly predicted to intensify throughout the rest of South Florida, with forecasted heat indices of between 103 and 109 degrees. Excessive heat risks reported by the NWS are expected to transition from “elevated” to “significant.”

NSW notes that the high temperatures in South Florida will be enhanced by light winds, although these weather conditions may be favorable to certain outdoor activities like boating due to calm seas and low rip current risks.

The extreme heat may contribute to an active hurricane season as warm air and waters can fuel hurricane development. AccuWeather predicts more than 25 named storms, with eight to 12 becoming hurricanes and four to seven intensifying to Category 3 or higher with wind speeds of at least 111 miles per hour.

Miami-Dade County is the most populous in Florida and comprises 34 incorporated municipalities, including Coral Gables, Hialeah, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Gardens and North Miami. This unprecedented heat event highlights the importance of awareness and preparedness for residents and visitors alike, particularly as the region braces for a potentially severe hurricane season.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Summer Outlook predicts above-normal temperatures in parts of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and even in northeastern states such as Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. Similarly, the northwestern and southern United States are also expected to experience higher-than-average temperatures.

Tips on coping with the heat

The NWS and Red Cross offer essential recommendations for staying safe during high temperatures and avoiding health-related issues. (Related: Summer health 101: A simple guide to address 5 heat-related illnesses.)

Extreme heat can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening health issues, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. It can also trigger sudden events, like heart attacks or stroke and exacerbate existing medical conditions, such as kidney or lung disease.

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
Use sunscreen, wear hats and sunglasses and seek shade when outdoors.
Never leave children or pets in vehicles. The interior temperature of a car can rapidly reach deadly levels exceeding 120 degrees.
Limit or avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine as these can dehydrate.
Seek air-conditioned environments. Without strong air conditioning at home, consider spending the hottest hours of the day in indoor offices, libraries, shopping malls or theaters.
Exercise wisely. Avoid outdoor exercise during heat hours – typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Ensure pets have access to fresh water and shade. Check on them frequently to prevent overheating.

Learn more about natural disasters and freak weather patterns at Disaster.news.

Watch the following video about Miami-Dade County urging its residents to play it safe during days of record heat.

This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.