Heat Index

According to National Weather Service figures, heat killed 199 Americans last year. That is more than double the second leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States, flooding, which killed 89 Americans in 2024. The danger posed by weather events like tornadoes, hurricanes and lightning is straightforward, but many people do not accurately perceive the level of risk posed by heat. A day with dangerous heat will look like an average sunny day, and sometimes the symptoms of heat illness are initially ignored.

Tampa broke the all-time record high temperature on Sunday. There are at least 10 stations in Florida that could either break or tie the high records on Monday. How much longer?

The immediate concern this weekend will be the heat, which is expected to be oppressive, intense, and dangerous. Afternoon showers are not expected Saturday due to a “sprawling plume of Saharan dust” blanketing South Florida.

Much of Florida takes a break from the storms, and Saharan dust takes over, making the temperatures soar.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory today.

Heat indices are at least 103°F across much of Florida, with lower-than-average storm chances.

The National Weather Service seeks input on heat risk product

Already this summer, the eastern US has experienced dangerously hot weather. Just this week, nearly 160 million citizens were under some kind of heat alert Tuesday. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is the government agency that keeps track of heat related deaths and illnesses, and the numbers are rising. In 2022, there were 1,714 deaths, the highest in over 20 years.

There is a minor to moderate heat risk each day, with the potential for major heat risk across some portions of Florida.

A Heat Advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. today across all of the state.Heat index values in Southwest and Southeast Florida, from the Tampa area and on down, are expected up to 112 in some spots.