Latest news with #NationalWeatherServiceJacksonville
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Have outdoor weekend plans? Expect heat, high heat. See the forecast across Florida
As thunderstorms knock out power and bring tornado risks to parts of the U.S., Florida is facing another threat: a heat wave. But as Florida residents and visitors face above-normal temperatures through the weekend, in south Texas, heat advisories were issued May 16 for 19 counties. The heat index is expected to reach 105 to 110 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Temperatures are forecast to be above-normal across much of Florida through the weekend, with high temps hovering in the mid to upper 90s across much of the state, bringing "the first real taste of summer," according to the National Weather Service Mobile. Planning to head to the beach to cool off? Watch out for toxic seaweed known as sargassum, tons of it. Here's what you should know. Don't count on rain in Florida through the weekend. Southwest Florida: Temperatures will peak in the low 90s, and heat indices could climb into the 100s over portions of Southwest Florida over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service Miami. Temperatures will run 3 to 5 degrees above normal for mid May, according to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay. East Central Florida: Expect above-normal to record temperatures 5 to 10 degrees above normal into early next week, especially over the interior and near the coast north of Melbourne, according to the National Weather Service Melbourne. The heat index could reach the mid 90s to low 100s over the weekend and into next week. North Florida: Expect record heat, the National Weather Service Jacksonville said. Central Panhandle: Upper level ridge controls the pattern across the southeast US into next week and this will lead to above normal temperatures, the National Weather Service Tallahassee said. Western Panhandle: "So it first real taste of summer has arrived with highs climbing into the 90s for the first time of the year," the National Weather Service Mobile posted on X. Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Follow National Weather Service Mobile on X, formerly known as Twitter Saturday: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 100. Sunday: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 94. Follow the National Weather Service Tallahassee on X, formerly known as Twitter Saturday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Sunday: Patchy fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Follow the National Weather Service Jacksonville on X, formerly known as Twitter Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 91. Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X, formerly known as Twitter Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 92. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 90. Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X, formerly known as Twitter Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 93. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 92. Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X, formerly known as Twitter Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 85. Follow the Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 86. Follow the National Weather Service Miami on X, formerly known as Twitter Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 88. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Follow the National Weather Service Miami on X, formerly known as Twitter Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 99. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 92. Follow the National Weather Service Tampa Bay on X, formerly known as Twitter Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 84. Follow the National Weather Service Tampa Bay on X, formerly known as Twitter Saturday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Sunday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X, formerly known as Twitter 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 weekend weather forecast: Here's how hot it could get
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
What is the best temperature to set your thermostat during Florida summers? Vote in our poll
It's time to crank down that thermostat if you haven't already. According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, temperatures above normal are expected across Florida from May 18 through May 22. "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. Ahead of the heat wave, Floridians are asking the age-old question that ruins relationships, destroys friendships and threatens marriages: what temperature do you set your air conditioner thermostat at? Let's settle this once and for all. This upcoming heat wave aligns with earlier predictions of above-normal temperatures during the summer season. According to Old Farmer's Almanac, NOAA and AccuWeather forecasters, Florida is set to face another record-breaking hot summer. Most of the U.S., including Florida, is expected to be hot and dry this summer. The forecast is for meteorological summer, which is June, July and August. South Florida, though, could see cooler, rainy conditions. "It's going to be a scorcher of a summer," according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Astronomical summer arrives on the summer solstice and ends with the autumn equinox. It will run from June 20, the date of the summer solstice for 2025, to Sept. 22, the arrival of the autumn equinox. Can't see the poll? Follow the link to vote. Short answer: it depends. It's a decision you make based on: What feels comfortable to you and the other people in your household The health conditions of people in your household How well your home is insulated and otherwise protected against heat What other cooling methods do you use (floor fans, ceiling fans, closed curtains/shades, etc.) How much you're willing to pay on your electric bill The first and last ones are the most important. If you can afford it, run your a/c as low as you want. Be prepared for considerably higher bills and likely more air conditioner maintenance and repairs, although Florida Power & Light has been lowering rates lately. FPL spokesperson Katarina Alvarez said a 1-degree increase in thermostats could save between 3-5% on cooling costs. The less your a/c has to work, the lower your bill. So set your thermostat to the highest temperature you can remain comfortable in and can afford, and look for other ways to cool off your place. For a long time, 78 degrees has been the number everyone drops in their "stay cool" guides. Which is fine for some people, and for lizards. When the media and electric utility companies promote 78 degrees they often refer to ENERGY STAR, a program run by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that has become synonymous with energy-efficient appliances. But ENERGY STAR doesn't recommend any specific temperature. Thermostat guide: What's the best temperature to set your thermostat in Florida? 'ENERGY STAR does not assert that any particular temperature setting is good for households,' the EPA said in an email to The Palm Beach Post. Contributing: Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Florida Network This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida summer: What's most popular a/c thermostat temperature? Vote
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Red flag warning issued for these Florida counties as drought worsens. See weekend forecast
A cold front is moving through Florida today, April 11, as drought conditions prompt the National Weather Service to issue red flag warnings for several counties. Northeast Florida could see locally heavy downpours today as the front moves through, according to the National Weather Service Jacksonville. The front is expected to weaken as it moves south. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings for seven counties early Friday along the central and east coast of the state. Friday morning, there were 39 wildfires burning, up from 33 Thursday, according to the Florida Forest Service. The average statewide drought index increased Thursday to 348, up seven points from Wednesday's 341. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for seven counties: Brevard Lake Orange Osceola Polk Seminole Volusia A red flag warning is issued when "critical fire weather conditions" are in place. "A red flag warning means warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger," the National Weather Service said. Forecasters said residents under a red flag warning should follow this advice: If you are allowed to burn in your area, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch. Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road. Extinguish all outdoor fires properly. Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it. Never leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the largest wildfires burning in Florida as of April 4 were (data is updated every Friday): East Marsh Fire: One mile west of DeLand. 3,377 acres. 80% contained. Fernadez Fire: Four miles northeast of Lake Kathryn. 565 acres. 80% contained. Red Horse Fire: Fire started on private land seven miles northwest of Bowling Green. 390 acres. 95% contained. "Wildfire names are generally based on the geographic location of the fire or a nearby geographic feature," according to Tim Brown, communications manager with the Florida Forest Service in an email. "For example, the '344 Fire' was due to its location near 344 Street." Forecast for Friday, April 11: Western Panhandle, Pensacola: Storms moved through the area Thursday day. On Friday, expect sunny skies, winds gusting as high as 20 mph. High 77. Low 54. Central Panhandle, Tallahassee: A few strong to severe storms are possible Friday afternoon. Watch for gusty winds and possibility of hail. High 79. Low 52. Northeast Florida, Jacksonville: Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Friday. Wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph and small hail will be the primary threats. High 81. Low 56. East Coast, Central Florida from Daytona Beach to Stuart: Rain showers and isolated lightning storm chances will be small as a weakening cold front moves through the area Friday night. High 84. Low 61. South Florida, West Palm Beach, Naples: Scattered showers will be possible Friday afternoon into the early evening. High 78. Low 66. Southwest Florida, Fort Myers to Sarasota: There's a risk for severe storms, mainly across the Nature Coast Friday evening into the nighttime hours. High 75. Low 66. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index average for Florida was 348 Thursday. The drought index uses a scale from 0, which is very wet, to 800, which is very dry. Dry conditions on the weekend, combined with falling relative humidity is expected to bring "sensitive to locally elevated wildfire conditions" throughout the state Saturday, according to the Florida Department of Emergency Management. As of Thursday, April 10, there were 17 Florida counties with a mean Keetch-Byram Drought Index over 500, which means drought or increased fire danger. One county, Lee, has hit 600. Broward: 524 Charlotte: 560 Collier: 587 DeSoto: 520 Glades: 549 Hardee: 562 Hendry: 594 Lake: 537 Lee: 600 Manatee: 545 Miami-Dade: 528 Monroe: 546 Palm Beach: 574 Pasco: 514 Sarasota: 553 Sumter: 522 Volusia: 501 Another 13 of Florida's 67 counties have index numbers in the 400s. Five counties are within 25 points of hitting 500: Highlands: 487 Hillsborough: 489 Martin: 494 Orange: 475 Polk: 482 Here's an explanation of what the Keetch-Byram Drought Index numbers mean, according to the Wildland Fire Assessment System. 0-200: Soil moisture and large-class fuel moistures are high and do not contribute much to fire intensity. Typical of spring dormant season following winter precipitation. 200-400: Typical of late spring, early growing season. Lower litter and duff layers are drying and beginning to contribute to fire intensity. 400-600: Typical of late summer, early fall. Lower litter and duff layers actively contribute to fire intensity and will burn actively. 600-800: Often associated with more severe drought with increased wildfire occurrence. Intense, deep burning fires with significant downwind spotting can be expected. Live fuels can also be expected to burn actively at these levels. According to the Florida Forest Service, burn bans are in place for the following counties: Charlotte Collier Glades Hendry Highlands Lake Sarasota The open burning of yard debris is always prohibited in these counties: Duval Hillsborough Orange Pinellas Early Friday, a weak cold front is expected to bring some showers to portions of the state. A few locally strong thunderstorms capable of small hail can't be ruled out, according to the Florida Department of Emergency Management. By Saturday morning, the front will push offshore, bringing mostly dry conditions and elevated wildfire conditions to the state. High temperatures will reach the middle to upper 70s across North Florida and lower to middle80s across Central and South Florida on Friday. Slightly cooler conditions will keep high temperatures in the lower 70s across North Florida, middle to upper 70s across Central Florida and upper 70s and lower 80s across South Florida Saturday afternoon. Low temperatures will fall into the upper 40s to lower 50s across North Florida and middle 50s to middle 60s across Central and South Florida Friday night. By Saturday night low temperatures will fall into the 40s again across North Florida, 50s throughout interior Central and South Florida and middle 50s to lower 60s across coastal Central and South Florida. 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 Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida wildfires feared from drought. Red flag warnings issued
