Peak heat and rain season has arrived. Triple threat of hurricane season is next

Miami Herald

15-05-2025

Before hurricane season has even officially started, Miami-Dade's mayor on Thursday warned residents that it's time to start preparing for extreme weather — including the kind of flooding many parts of the county saw on Monday, when certain areas saw 4 inches of rain.
At a press conference Thursday morning, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava detailed the importance of being prepared as Florida enters the summer months, with high possibilities of severe weather in different forms: namely hurricanes, floods and extreme heat. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, and peak rainy season is from May 15 to Oct. 15.
'Stay informed, be storm ready and make a plan,' the mayor said.
Staying safe in the heat
A 2024 report by the Florida Policy Institute found Florida had the highest number of heat-related illnesses in the nation. The report showed that almost a half-million Floridians work outdoor jobs, with Florida's top three outdoor industries being construction, amusement and recreation, and landscaping.
'If you're not feeling well in the heat, do a three-step heat check,' Levine Cava said. 'You're going to drink water, you're going to find shade and going to rest.'
The 2024 report highlighted that about 5.7 million Floridians are vulnerable to extreme heat. And now, Miami is experiencing 51 more days per year with temperatures over 90 degrees than 50 years ago. And experts predict those numbers will only keep going up, Levine Cava said.
At-risk groups for heat-related illnesses and death include pregnant women, infants and young children, outdoor workers and those without access to air conditioning, such as people experiencing homelessness.
Peak heat season runs from May 1 to Oct. 31.
To prepare for extreme heat, Miami-Dade county officials recommend:
Locating public spaces with air conditioningInsulating your homeCovering your home's windows with shadesInstalling efficient air conditioningWearing lightweight and light-colored clothing Staying aware of signs someone is experiencing a heat-related illnessCarrying water at all times and providing hydration to pets, too
For additional information, residents can visit miamidade.gov/heat.
Hurricanes and flooding
On Monday, parts of South Florida were slammed with heavy rain and flood watches. The Miami metro area received more than 4 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service. New research suggests that over 23,000 people and 17,000 homes in Florida may face annual flooding by 2050.
Pete Gomez, who serves as Miami-Dade's director of emergency management, urged Floridians to know their evacuation zone and to stay on top of any medical or electrical essentials in the event of a hurricane or flooding.
'If you're a medically dependent person, let us know,' Gomez said. 'We'll take you to the right shelter.'
To effectively prepare for a hurricane and floods:
Stay informed by visiting your county's website or social media accountsCheck evacuation routes and flood zones Purchase adequate amounts of canned food and waterHave access to flashlightsCarry a first aid kitStay indoors and call 311 if needed
But hazards may still be prevalent after a storm, Gomez said. Flood water may be full of electrical wires, broken pipes and manholes, so it's important to remain inside until an area has been cleared. You can also reach out to Miami-Dade's Department of Emergency Management and ask to be a part of the door hanger program, which may help emergency personnel find people who are in need of assistance.
Additional information and alerts can be found at miamidade.gov/alerts and miamidade.gov/hurricane.