Enjoy the rain? Heat wave could bring near-record-high temperatures to Florida. See forecast
Good, because now hold onto those umbrellas for a different reason: It's going to get hot. Really hot.
Temperatures are expected to climb the rest of this week, into the weekend, and then into early next week.
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The National Weather Service in Jacksonville is warning that, based on current forecasts, records could be set or tied not only for record highs but even the low temperatures could set a record for high minimums.
But before you complain, expected high temperatures in Florida don't compare to the triple digits forecast for parts of Texas, where some cities could see high temperatures of 113.
Temperatures above normal are expected from May 18 through May 22, especially for Florida, south Texas and stretching into southern Georgia, according to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center.
The six- to 10-day forecast aligns with earlier predictions from the Old Farmer's Almanac, which forecast summer 2025 "is shaping up to be a doozy!" It's prediction said Florida is expected to be hot and dry this summer, although South Florida could see cooler, rainy conditions.
➤ Check your AC. Forecast calls for 'doozy' of a summer. See what Florida can expect
June through August could "feature sweltering heat, severe weather, intense wildfires and the start of a dynamic hurricane season," AccuWeather said in its summer forecast.
And rounding out the trifecta of unwelcome news, NOAA's summer forecast predicted temperatures across the Sunshine State will likely be above-average for all of Florida.
Expect temperatures to climb steadily across much of Florida.
"Records could be tied or broken based on current forecasts. Lows appear to be above normal, and potentially close to record high minimum. Heat indices look to be peak to near 100," the National Weather Service Jacksonville warned in its forecast for May 16-May 19.
"Hot," the National Weather Service Melbourne said, saying residents across the East Coast and Central Florida can expect "well above normal temperatures," although records are a little more uncertain at this time. A moderate heat risk is expected across most of the area through the weekend.
High temperatures expected Saturday, May 17, across Florida:
Pensacola: 84
Tallahassee: 95
Jacksonville: 96
Daytona Beach: 92
Melbourne: 91
Port St. Lucie: 93
West Palm Beach: 85
Naples: 90
Fort Myers: 92
Sarasota: 84
Planning to check out the theme parks in Central Florida over the weekend? Be prepared for sunny skies with a high near 95.
➤ 8 tips on how to enjoy Florida theme parks during hot, humid weather
As of 8 a.m., May 13, more than 6 million people across the U.S. are under extreme heat advisories, watches and warnings, according to the National Integrated Heat Health Information System.
➤ NOAA heat risk map
The most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses are children, babies and older adults, especially those with pre-existing conditions, according to the National Weather Service. Here's how to protect yourself and family from heat:
Drink plenty of water.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and drinks high in sugar and sodium.
Apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every two hours.
Minimize direct exposure to the sun.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing.
Take regular breaks in the shade or air-conditioned areas.
Take a cool bath or shower.
Don't turn a fan toward you if the room temperature is warmer than 90 degrees. The dry blowing air will dehydrate you faster.
Try to avoid strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day.
Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads.
Check on others and never leave someone or a pet in a parked car.
The Centers for Disease Control said these are the symptoms of your body overheating:
Muscle cramping
Unusually heavy sweating
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Headaches
Weakness
➤ CDC Heat Risk website by ZIP code
When summer arrives depends on which summer you mean.
Meteorological summer is June, July and August.
Astronomical summer arrives on the summer solstice and ends with the autumn equinox. So astronomical summer this year will run from June 20, the date of the summer solstice for 2025, to Sept. 22, the arrival of the autumn equinox.
The summer solstice is the longest day of the year.
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.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Florida heat wave: Near record temps expected. See forecast by city
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