Florida’s roasting under a brutal heat wave just in time for the Fourth of July holiday. Temperatures are skyrocketing all over the state, with heat indices already soaring past 105. It’s not just hot during the day, either. Nights aren’t bringing much relief, with lows stuck in the upper 70s. All this swelter comes courtesy of high pressure hanging stubbornly over the Gulf.
The National Weather Service in Tallahassee warned residents the heat index could reach as high as 112 due to a large, stagnant “heat dome” which is causing above-average temperatures across much of the eastern United States, including Florida.
Southwest Florida isn’t catching any favors, either. From June 29 to July 4, highs will climb well into the 90s, mid to upper 90s to be exact, and humidity will smack you as soon as you step outside. Expect “feels-like” readings between 105 and 110 degrees, sometimes even higher. It’s classic Florida weather with heat all day, then sudden afternoon storms rolling in. Chances for rain or storms run about 40 to 50 percent most days, mostly in the late afternoon and evening. Those storms can bring heavy bursts of rain, quick gusts, and enough lightning to keep you indoors.
For the Fourth of July, we’ll have partly sunny skies, another hot and humid afternoon, highs right around 93, and scattered pop-up storms in the mix.
You can count on heat advisories from the National Weather Service throughout the week. They’re not exaggerating, as prolonged time outdoors in this heat is tough on the body. And since summer storms in Florida are basically a weather lottery, check your local forecast each day. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and keep your fireworks plans flexible.
