'Excessive Heat Warnings' Issued For Most FL Counties For First Time

TAMPA, FL — In what may be a first since forecasters began keeping records, the National Weather Service offices in Florida have issued "excessive heat warnings" for most of the state.

On Wednesday, the NWS Tampa Bay issued an "excessive heat warning" until 7 p.m. due to "dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 115 degrees expected," said warning coordination meteorologist Dan Noah.

The heat index indicates how hot the temperature feels due to humidity rather than the actual ambient temperature outdoors, which is currently 97 to 98 degrees in west central Florida.

An excessive heat warning goes into effect when an area reaches and maintains a heat index of 115 degrees for two hours.

Noah said the excessive heat warning includes Polk, Hardee, Highlands, DeSoto, inland Hillsborough, inland Manatee and inland Sarasota counties.

Coastal Tampa Bay counties are excluded because ocean breezes keep humidity at bay, NWS forecasters said.

"Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," said Noah.

He said it's unusual for the four NWS offices in Florida located in Melbourne, Miami, Tallahassee and Tampa to issue an "excessive heat warning."

The Miami NWS office issued its first-ever "excessive heat warning" on Sunday and has continued the warning through Wednesday.

The rare warning is in effect for both coastal and inland Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties until 7 p.m. as well as Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties.

Also under an "excessive heat warning" until 8 p.m. Wednesday are portions of Big Bend and the Panhandle.

The excessive heat warning has also been extended to Bradford, Baker, Camden, Duval, Nassau, Glynn, St. Johns, Alachua, Camden, Charlton, Columbia, Ware and Union counties in north Florida until 7 p.m. when isolated thunderstorms are predicted to cool things off.

Vacationers to the land of Mickey Mouse can expect equally high temperatures Wednesday. Orlando reached 99 degrees Sunday, breaking a record set in 1931. Record high temperatures and a heat index of 116 degrees also extends to Sanford, Daytona Beach and Melbourne.

Also under "excessive heat warnings" for the first time are parts of southwest Florida including Lee and Charlotte counties.

Nor will central Florida escape the heat wave. "Excessive heat warnings" have been issued for Sumter, Hardee, Highlands and Pasco counties.

The NWS offices are advising residents to:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Stay in an air-conditioned room.
• Stay out of the sunshine.
• Check on relatives and neighbors, especially the elderly.
• Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
• Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities for early morning or evening.
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible.
• To reduce risks while working outdoors, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
• Anyone who is overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location and 911 should be called.

For information on heat-related illnesses and their symptoms, click here.