A heat wave is predicted to affect millions of people across the United States next week, especially in the Northeast and Midwest.
In Florida, temperatures are expected to be above average starting June 19 along the West Coast and Panhandle, with chances for above-normal temperatures a little lower from the interior to the East Coast.
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Don't expect that to last. NOAA's Climate Prediction Center is predicting all of Florida will likely see above-average temperatures June 21-27. Changes are even higher for above-normal temperatures as we head into July, from June 22 through July 5, especially for the southern two-thirds of the state's peninsula.
With some rainfall continuing Friday and into the weekend, the Sunshine State is struggling to live up to its name after record rainfall over the past several days. Some areas saw almost 2 feet of rain.
Heat wave forecast to hit parts of US
Forecasters warn adangerous and potentially record-breaking heat wavewill spread across much of the central and eastern U.S. next week, including areas from the Mississippi Valley to southern New England.
Some cities from Texas to New England could see temperatures close to 100 degrees, according to AccuWeather. High temperatures of at least 90 are expected to stick around for most of all of the week in some areas.
"For many, this will be the first heat wave of the year,"AccuWeather meteorologistBrandon Buckingham said.
Excessive heat is most likely in the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic, theClimate Prediction Centersaid. "Highs in the low- to mid-90s are forecast, possibly reaching daily record highs in many locations," the Center said.
In Washington, D.C., next week, "heat indices should easily reach and exceed the century mark most afternoons,"the Weather Service said.
What about Florida? What's the weather forecast?
AccuWeather is predicting the following temperatures next week, from Father's Day June 16, through the summer solstice June 20 and into next weekend June 23.
Panhandle/Tallahassee: Expect a high of 98 on Father's Day in Tallahassee, with temperatures remaining in the mid to upper 90s most of the week before dipping into the lower 90s starting on the summer solstice June 20. Farther west, temperatures will hover around 90 for most of the week, except for a possible dip into the mid 80s Monday, June 17.
North Florida: Temperatures in the upper 80s, peaking at 90 on June 23.
Central Florida: Highs will peak at 90 degrees June 19-20, with temperatures in the upper 80s the rest of the week.
South Florida: Expect temperatures in the mid to upper 80s throughout the week.
Southwest Florida: Temperatures are expected to hover around 90, with a few exceptions a few degrees above and below that, most notably a high around 93 on Monday, June 17, and a low of 86 on Saturday, June 22.
Long-range forecast for Florida
The Old Farmer's Almanac is predicting the following for Florida:
June 23-26: Sunny and hot.
June 27-30: Scattered thunderstorms with warm temperatures.
July 1-12: Thunderstorms, isolated across South Florida. Hot temperatures.
July 19-21: Sunny and warm.
July 22-31: Scattered thunderstorms; Hot in North Florida, warm in South Florida.
Heat index could make temperatures feel even hotter, up to 15 degrees
Theheat index measures how how it really feels outside, according to theNational Weather Service.
The heat index is calculated based on two factors:
Air temperature
Relative humidity
Heat index values were devised for shady, light wind conditions. Exposure to full sunshine canincrease heat index values by up to 15 degrees,according to the National Weather Service.
What is an unsafe heat index? What number is dangerous?
In general, dangerous conditions would occur as soon as the heat index hits 105 degrees.
Conditions are considered extremely dangerous if the heat index is 126 degrees or higher.
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Again, remember the heat index is calculated if you are in the shade. So if the heat index is 105-110 for your area and you'll be in the sun, the heat index could actually be 120 to 125 degrees.
What types of heat warnings does NWS issue?
The National Weather Service issues four types of heat-related advisories:
Excessive heat warning:An excessive heat warning is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions.
What you should do: If you don't take precautions immediately when conditions are extreme, you may become seriously ill or even die.
Excessive heat watch:Heat watches are issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours. A watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain.
Heat advisory:A heat advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions.
What you should do:Take precautions to avoid heat illness. If you don't take precautions, you may become seriously ill or even die.
Excessive heat outlooks:The outlooks are issued when the potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next three to seven days. An outlook provides information to those who need considerable time to prepare for the event.
What does a Florida excessive heat warning, heat advisory mean?
In Florida, the criteria is a little higher than the heat index numbers listed above for an excessive heat warning or health advisory to be issued by the National Weather Service.
Excessive heat warning:Except for Miami-Dade County, the National Weather Services offices around the state would issue an excessive heat warning if the heat index is expected to reach 113 degrees or higher. The National Weather Service Miami said Miami/Dade County wanted a lower threshold for a warning for its population, which was set at 110 degrees.
Heat advisory:Except for Miami-Dade County, the National Weather Services offices around the state would issue a health 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.
Symptoms of heat illnesses: What's the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?
When your body can't cool itself, your body temperature rises. If it goes too high, it can be life-threatening.
TheCenters for Disease Control and Preventionprovided a list ofwarning signs and symptoms of heat-related illnessesand what you should do.
Heat cramps
Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.
Symptoms:Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen and Heavy sweating.
First aid:Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water.
Seek immediate medical attention if cramps last longer than 1 hour.
Heat exhaustion
Symptoms:Heavy sweating, Weakness or tiredness, cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache, fainting,
First aid:Move person to a cooler environment,preferably a well-air-conditioned room. Loosen clothing.Apply cool, wet cloths or have person sit in a cool bath. Offer sips of water. If person vomits more than once seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.
Symptoms:Throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103°F, hot, red, dry or dampskin, rapid and strong pulse, fainting, loss of consciousness.
First Aid:Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately.Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Delay can be fatal.
Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment. Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath. Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures.
Donot give fluids.
Contributors: Eduardo Cuevas, Doyle Rice, USA Today
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida weather forecast as US heat wave drives up heat index
