Heat indices were between 106 and 110 degrees across Central Florida Wednesday. A heat advisory was issued by the National Weather Service Office in Melbourne and it will be in effect for Volusia, Orange, Seminole, Lake, Marion, Polk, Osceola, Sumter, and northern Brevard until 7 p.m. Wednesday.
After some fierce storms late Wednesday afternoon, most of them came to an end by 8 p.m. The storms brought a slight relief for some locations where temperatures were in the mid to upper 90s. Frequent lightning and gusty winds swept throught some cities. Most storms did not have much movement, leading to minor flooding.
The official high temperature at Orlando International Airport reached 96 degrees, at Dayotna Beach the official high was 95 and Melbourne reached 93 degrees. But the heat indices across Central Florida were close to 112 for some spots. This extreme heat is dangerous, especially for kids, elderly and those doing strenuous activities outdoors.
It is advised to stay in air-conditioned places or to take shade often if you are working outdoors. Staying hydrated throughout the day is crucial. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water, as it may be too late and you likely are already dehydrated. Dress in loose fitting clothing in light colors. Eating light meals helps your body stay cooler. Try to limit activities outdoors during the peak hours of heat, between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Florida is hot, especially in the summer. But it is rare to be under a widespread heat advisory.
In fact, the last time Orange, Volusia, Seminole and Osceola counties were under a heat advisory was on June 16, 2010. Including this occurrence, there have been only seven heat advisories issued since 2005. There were three consecutive days starting June 20, 2009, that heat advisories were issued for most, if not all, east Central Florida counties.
Know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
If you or anyone you know is having a heat stroke, call 911 immediately.
Afternoon storms could bring a slight relief for some Wednesday, but the storms will not be widespread, therefore most of Central Florida will remain with the dangerous heat in place. Storms will mainly affect inland locations after 2 p.m.
Expect a warm night, with low temperatures struggling to drop to the upper 70s and partly cloudy skies.
At the beach, rip currents are moderate.
Watch your 5-Day Forecast below:
Upper 90s & triple digit heat indices Heat wave continues
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Cox Media Group
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