Heat Advisory in Effect for Tampa Bay Area Through Thursday Evening
Feels-like temperatures expected to reach 110 degrees during peak afternoon hours. The National Weather Service threshold for a heat advisory in Florida is 108 degrees.
TAMPA, Fla. — A heat advisory is in effect across the Tampa Bay area Thursday, with feels-like temperatures forecast to climb as high as 110 degrees during the afternoon hours, according to the National Weather Service.
The advisory runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The NWS issues a heat advisory in Florida when heat index values — the combination of air temperature and humidity — are expected to reach 108 degrees or higher.
Actual air temperatures are expected to reach the low to mid-90s Thursday afternoon. Lower rain chances and strong high pressure building over the region are limiting the typical afternoon storm activity that would otherwise provide some cooling relief and cloud cover.
The advisory follows an extended stretch of elevated heat across the region. Tampa set an all-time record high of 100 degrees on Sunday — the hottest temperature ever recorded by the National Weather Service at Tampa International Airport. Heat advisories have been in effect for multiple consecutive days since.
Who Is Most at Risk
Heat-related illness can affect anyone, though health officials note that certain groups face greater risk: the elderly, young children, outdoor workers, and people without access to air conditioning.
St. Pete Fire Rescue Lt. Garth Swingle said the department typically sees an uptick in heat-related emergency calls during advisory periods.
“People that are coming out for just a couple minutes — we see it there.”
— Lt. Garth Swingle, St. Pete Fire Rescue
Swingle added that no one should assume a brief period outdoors is without risk during extreme heat conditions.
Recommended Precautions
Officials are advising residents to limit time outdoors during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated with water rather than sugary or alcoholic beverages, and wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing if going outside.
Residents without air conditioning at home are encouraged to seek out cooling locations, including public libraries, shopping malls, and museums. Area cooling centers may also be available through local government programs.
Officials are also urging residents to check on elderly neighbors, relatives, and pets who may be more vulnerable to heat illness.
Recognizing Heat-Related Illness
Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, cold or pale skin, a fast and weak pulse, nausea, and possible fainting. Those experiencing heat exhaustion should move to a cool place and drink water.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Symptoms include a high body temperature, hot and red skin, a rapid and strong pulse, and possible loss of consciousness. Anyone suspected of suffering heat stroke should receive a 911 call immediately. Do not give the person anything to drink.
Hot and humid conditions are expected to persist beyond Thursday. Heat index values are forecast to remain in the 105 to 110 degree range through the weekend and into next week, with rain chances remaining below normal.
Updated forecasts are available through the National Weather Service Tampa Bay office.
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