The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a heat advisory for Miami-Dade and Broward counties, effective from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., due to dangerous heat and humidity conditions marking the beginning of August in South Florida.
The heat index —which combines air temperature with relative humidity— is expected to exceed 105°F (40°C) during the hottest hours of the afternoon, before scattered storms begin to develop around 3:00 p.m.
According to meteorologist Jennifer Collins from Local 10, the thermometers were already reading 82°F in Miami and 81°F in Fort Lauderdale at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, with peak heat expected in the early afternoon.
The alert also covers the coastal urban areas of Palm Beach, where, according to Infobae, the heat index could range between 40 and 43°C for several consecutive hours.
The NWS warns that direct exposure to the sun can increase the thermal sensation by up to 8°C additional, significantly raising the risk for those who remain outdoors without shade or access to air conditioning.
This episode is part of a sustained heat wave that shows no signs of relief for the region. Collins noted that South Florida has recorded 51 consecutive days with temperatures at or above 90°F, approaching the record of 54 consecutive days set in 2023.
A few days ago, on July 30, Miami and Fort Lauderdale broke historic high temperature records: Miami reached 96°F, surpassing the previous record of 95°F set in 2015, while Fort Lauderdale hit 97°F, breaking a record that dated back to 1915.
Although rain and storms are expected in the afternoon, authorities warn that the precipitation will not eliminate the danger posed by the heat. Meteorologist Lissette González from CBS News Miami pointed out that "the mornings of this weekend are favorable for being outdoors; it is the best time to do so."
The Miami-Dade authorities have activated 22 free cooling centers for the season, distributed across parks and public libraries in the county and city, available from May 1 to October 31.
The most vulnerable groups include the elderly, young children, people with chronic illnesses, and outdoor workers. Authorities emphasize not leaving children, dependent adults, or pets inside parked vehicles, as the interior temperature can reach lethal levels within minutes.
Extreme heat is the leading cause of climate-related deaths in Miami-Dade, with estimates of about 600 additional deaths per year during such episodes.
The tragic death of a two-year-old girl in Hallandale Beach on July 6, after being trapped in a minivan, devastatingly reminded us of the real dangers posed by these temperatures.
Rainfall chances are expected to increase to 50-60% during the first days of August, which could partially alleviate the extreme heat conditions in the region.
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