Not only is it still hot, but it's also getting hotter. The entire state of Florida is under a heat advisory Friday, Aug. 14, and some of it is under an extreme heat advisory
The National Weather Service warns that the entire state, along with large parts of the Southeast U.S., is facing temperatures in the mid- to high 90s with heat indices ("real feel temperatures") from 105 to 114 in some areas.
It will be even hotter in Florida's Big Bend area and part of the Panhandle, which is expected to see dangerously hot temps with highs approaching 100 degrees, forecasters said. An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect from noon to 8 p.m. ET for the inland areas of Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Leon, and Jefferson counties, coastal areas of Bay, Gulf, Jefferson, and Wakulla counties, and Franklin and Liberty counties.
"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors," the NWS said.
Extreme heat is a killer and should be taken seriously. More than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about latest conditions
Shop Amazon to stay cool in Florida heat
Don't expect the heat to ease anytime soon, according to forecasts from National Weather Service offices around the state.
"Expect multiple days of hazardous heat, with heat indices of 105-110," the National Weather Service Tallahassee warned residents on X.
Cities such as Orlando, Tampa, and Miami are forecast to remain in the mid 90s for highs this week, and the humidity will remain high, as well, said Peyton Simmers, AccuWeather meteorologist, via email Aug. 11.
"There can be some relief this weekend, but it will still be hot and humid. The only relief from the heat will be any afternoon hit-or-miss thunderstorms that form each day."
The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center predicts above-average temperatures in Florida through October.
➤ What's the best temperature to set your AC in Florida heat wave?
"The heat in Florida has been prolonged for two reasons," Simmers said.
"The first reason is the Bermuda High was centered more east than it typically is in the Atlantic Ocean, so the heat and humidity was pumping from Florida to the Northeast U.S.
"The second reason is a strong area of high pressure — heat dome — that was centered over the western U.S. is now moving east across the southern part of the country and setting up near in the Southeast U.S., only prolonging the heat/humidity in Florida through this week."
In Florida, except for Miami-Dade County, the National Weather Services offices around the state would issue a heat 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.
If a heat advisory is issued, take precautions to avoid heat illness. If you don't take precautions, you may become seriously ill or even die.
Rain chances are "near to below normal" this week, according to the National Weather Service Melbourne.
"Drier air aloft, mostly due to a Saharan Dust Layer, will support strong gusty winds in lightning storms each day," according to the National Weather Service Melbourne.
That drier air will limit thunderstorm chances on Florida's west coast, but the potential for strong wind gusts is higher in thunderstorms that do form, the National Weather Service Tampa Bay said.
In the central Panhandle, isolated showers and storms will be possible each day this week. The strongest storms could produce gusty winds and frequent lightning, according to the National Weather Service Tallahassee.
Anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, but some people are at greater risk than others, according to the CDC, including:
People, especially children, with asthma.
People 65 years of age or older.
People who are working or exercising outside in the heat.
Symptoms you're becoming overheated include:
The CDC offered this advice on how to stay cool:
Stay in the shade as much as possible.
Do outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day or evening, if possible.
Use fans, but only if indoor temperatures are less than 90 degrees. In temperatures above 90, a fan can increase body temperature.
Use air conditioning or find a location that has one by dialing 211, visiting the National Center for Healthy Housing's Cooling Centers by State page, or by contacting your local health department or emergency management agency.
Check on your family, friends, and neighbors, especially if they have chronic medical problems or live alone.
A heat advisory is one of several types of health alerts issued by the National Weather Service. A heat advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions.
The general rule of thumb for this advisory is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 100 degrees or higher for at least two days, and nighttime air temperatures will not drop below 75 degrees. These criteria vary across the country, especially for areas that are not used to dangerous heat conditions.
The heat index measures how hot it really feels outside, according to the National Weather Service. It's sort of the summer equivalent of the wind chill factor our more northerly neighbors watch in the winter.
The heat index is calculated based on two factors:
Important point: Heat index values were devised for shady, light wind conditions. Exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
We will continue to update our weather coverage as conditions warrant. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here.
Cheryl McCloud and C. A. Bridges are journalists for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida's best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://tallahasse.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Entire state of Florida under heat advisory. When will it cool off?