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Miami Herald
a day ago
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Everglades fires grow tenfold and burn over 19,000 acres in Broward: officials
The two wildfires burning in the Everglades, prompting an air-quality alert for Broward County, have combined and grown tenfold, burning over 19,000 acres by Wednesday afternoon, according to the Florida Forest Service. There are currently no structures at risk as the fire stems from sawgrass burning. The fire was at 0% containment, as of Wednesday afternoon. The fires, which led the National Weather Service Miami to issue an air-quality alert beginning at 10 p.m. Wednesday and continuing through 9 a.m. Thursday, started on Monday evening, said the FFS. The alert is for the entire county as the winds move the smoke eastward. As of Wednesday morning, the Mile Marker 39 Fire had burned 1,600 acres, and the Sawgrass Fire, 250 acres, the National Weather Service Miami reported. Those two fires combined and burned more than 19,000 acres by Wednesday afternoon. The National Weather Service recommends that vulnerable populations, including people with respiratory conditions, limit their time outdoors. READ MORE: Air-quality alert for Broward issued due to Everglades fires. Smoke moving east The fire is being fueled by northwesterly winds, which are pushing smoke toward Broward and Miami-Dade, said Meteorologist Sammy Hadi with the National Weather Service in Miami. Broward will get the brunt of the smoke; Miami-Dade residents can expect hazy skies and the smell of smoke. 'The smoke from these fires will be blown to the southeast toward Broward and Miami-Dade counties,' Hadi said, adding that skies will remain hazy through the day with 'potential for periods of time with reduced visibility.' Areas in southwest Broward, including Miramar, Pembroke Pines and Weston, are the most affected. But conditions may change in the evening. 'Overnight … the wind will shift more westerly and southwesterly, which could open up more Broward County to smoke,' Hadi said, pointing to Plantation, Tamarac, and Margate as potentially impacted. Hadi explained that smoke tends to linger near the ground in the morning due to an atmospheric inversion, but as winds pick up, the smoke rises. That improves surface-level air quality, though the haze remains noticeable. At North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines, visibility got down to two to three miles of visibility in the early morning, said Hadi. At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, visibility was down to five miles. Visibility will improve as the smoke rises in the afternoon, said Hadi, though shifting wind patterns could change that. Visibility on the roads throughout the night will not be largely impacted, said NWS Miami's meteorologist Anthony Reyes. But motorists who are going west on I-75 near Alligator Alley have to be extra cautious. Hurricane Erin will also come into play as far as how winds will push the smoky air, Hadi explained. 'It will begin to veer as Erin continues to push further away. The wind will shift from a northwesterly direction to a westerly in the southwesterly direction.'
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Air-quality alert for Broward issued due to Everglades fires. Smoke moving east
The National Weather Service issued an air-quality alert for all of Broward County starting Thursday evening and continuing through Friday morning due to two large wildfires burning in the Everglades. The alert, issued around noon Wednesday, will go into effect at 10 p.m. and run through 9 a.m. Friday, the Miami weather service said, as smoke is expected to drift eastward from the Everglades blazes. The Mile Marker 39 Fire is now covering 1,600 acres, and the Sawgrass Fire is at 250 acres, the National Weather Service Miami reported Wednesday. Both fires were 0% contained as of Wednesday morning, according to the Florida Forest Service. READ MORE: Wildfires in Everglades spreads to more than 1,800 acres, smoke affecting Broward Many Broward residents have called 911 to report the smell of smoke as far as the eastern part of the county, according to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue. Here are steps to take to limit your risk of smoke inhalation: The National Weather Service recommends that vulnerable populations, including people with respiratory conditions, limit their time outdoors. Officials are urging the public to track local air quality through the Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow website, which provides updated data in real time. As of Wednesday morning, the air quality in much of Broward was listed as moderate, according to AirNow. During the early morning hours, the air quality in the county was considered unhealthy. Officials are also warning commuters to be extra cautious while driving as smoke could impair their visibility of the roadways. Drivers should use their car's air conditioning on recirculate.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Smoke from Everglades fire causes ‘unhealthy' air quality and low visibility in Broward
Wildfire smoke wafting east from the Everglades is causing 'unhealthy' air quality and low visibility across Broward County Wednesday morning, officials say. The smoke is caused by two uncontained wildfires. The biggest fire, called the Mile Marker 39 fire, is located near Mile Marker 39 on the Sawgrass Expressway in western Broward. It has spread to 1,600 acres, according to the Florida Forest Service. A second fire called the Sawgrass Fire is farther west, and has spread to 250 acres. The smoke from both fires is drifting into metro areas of the county, according to the National Weather Service Miami. 'Exercise extra caution on the roads as visibilities may vary greatly across short distances,' NWS Miami warned on X. The Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow website rated the air quality at the reporting station in Hollywood as 'unhealthy with an Air Quality Index of 154' as of Wednesday morning, which means everyone is at risk for health effects. People who are sensitive to smoke, such as those with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens should consider limiting their time outdoors, health officials say, particularly during strenuous activities. Everyone else should also take steps to reduce physical activity outside, such as walking instead of running. This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Florida flips from watching tropics to trying to stay cool. More heat advisories issued
From rain to heat, Florida's weather continues to swing from one extreme to the next. After most of this week was spent keeping an umbrella handy as residents watched Invest 93L move across the state into the Gulf, most of Florida will spend Friday, July 18, trying to find some place to stay cool. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location A heat advisory has been issued for the first time this summer in South Florida, according to the National Weather Service Miami. The heat index could get as high as 111, with the strongest heat expected along the southern Gulf Coast. As the morning progressed, more heat advisories were issued. As of 9:30 a.m., Florida's entire east coast, large portions of Central Florida and all of South Florida are under a heat advisory until this evening as the heat index climbs as high as 110. And the National Weather Service warned portions of the state's east coast and Central Florida face a major heat risk. Here's what to expect today. Weather watches and warnings issued in Florida What Florida counties are under a heat advisory today, July 18? As of 9:30 a.m., counties under a heat advisory are: Baker Bradford Brevard Broward Clay Collier Duval Flagler Glades Hendry Indian River Lake Martin Miami-Dade Monroe Okeechobee Orange Osceola Palm Beach Putnam St. Johns St. Lucie Seminole Union Volusia Heat advisory issued for South Florida. Heat index could hit 111 The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for South Florida from 11 a.m. July 18 until 6 p.m. The heat index could reach between 105 and 111 across portions of southeast, south and southwest Florida and could reach even higher is some isolated locations, the National Weather Service said. The strongest heat is expected along the Gulf Coast. What to expect today in South Florida: West Palm Beach: High 86. Heat index as high as 101. Miami: High 88. Heat index as high as 103. Naples: High 93. Heat index as high as 107. Immokalee: High 96. Heat index as high as 107. Southwest Florida could see heat index as high as 107 Drier air is moving into the area, allowing temperatures to increase across Southwest Florida and the west coast. Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid 90s over inland areas, with heat indices ranging between 100 and 107. What to expect today in Southwest Florida: Fort Myers: High 95. Heat index as high as 103. Sarasota: High 91. Heat index as high as 102. Tampa: High 95. Heat index as high as 105. Major heat risk, heat advisory issued for Central Florida, East Coast. Heat index up to 108 A major heat risk is forecast for portions of Central Florida today, July 18, according to the National Weather Service Melbourne. A heat advisory also has been issued for the entire east coast of Florida until 6 p.m. The heat index could get up to 108. What to expect today in East, Central Florida: Daytona Beach: High 89. Heat index as high as 104. Melbourne: High 90. Heat index as high as 105. Vero Beach: High 90. Heat index as high as 102. Stuart: High 88. Heat index as high as 102. Orlando: High 95. Heat index as high as 105. A major heat risk means there is a risk for heat-related illnesses for most residents, especially for those without access to air conditioning or who don't stay hydrated. The National Weather Service recommends: Drink plenty of water Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing Avoid outdoor activities during the warmest parts of the day Stay in air-conditioned location, especially during the day Heat advisory issued for Jacksonville, Northeast Florida. Heat index up to 110 Another heat advisory was issued for Northeast Florida at 8:46 a.m. July 18. Heat index ranges from 105 to 113 today across portions of inland northeast and north central Florida, the National Weather Service Jacksonville said. The heat advisory is in effect from noon to 6 p.m. What about the rest of Florida? What's the forecast for today? Pensacola, western Panhandle: An additional 1-3 inches of rain is possible across parts of northwest Florida. Strong rip currents remain a threat. High 88. Tallahassee, central Panhandle: High rip current risk today. Chance of showers and thunderstorms. High 93; heat index as high as 102. Heat index and temperature map for US, Florida What is the heat index? The heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature, according to the National Weather Service. At its most basic: the heat index is what the temperature feels like when you're outside. The chart above shows the combination of air temperature with humidity. It's important to note the chart uses the air temperature in the shade. In direct sun, the air temperature can be up to 15 degrees higher. In Florida, except for Miami-Dade County, the National Weather Services offices around the state would issue a heat advisory if the heat index is expected to reach 108 to 112 degrees. The National Weather Service Miami said Miami/Dade County wanted a lower threshold for an advisory for its population, which was set at 105 degrees. NWS issues several types of heat-related warnings National Weather Service changed its heat watch and warning terms in March 2025. Here's what you should know: Excessive heat watches were renamed to extreme heat watches. Issued when dangerous heat is possible and residents are encouraged to be prepared. Excessive heat warnings were renamed to extreme heat warnings. Issued when dangerous heat is happening or about to happen. What is a heat advisory? Issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria. ➤ See when heat watches and warnings could be issued in your area What is a heat advisory? A heat advisory is issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria, according to the National Weather Service. "Residents are advised to consider postponing or rescheduling outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay in a cool place, especially during the heat of the day and evening." When a heat advisory is issued also depends on where you are in Florida. For most of the state, a heat advisory is issued if the heat index is expected to be between 108 to 112 degrees. Here is the breakdown by each NWS region. A heat advisory is issued when the heat index is expected to be: Western Panhandle: 108-112 degrees Central Panhandle, North Florida: 108 to 112 within the next 6 to 24 hours or air temperature is forecast to reach 103 degrees Northeast Florida: 108-112 degrees East Central Florida: 108 to 112 degrees In South Florida: 108 degrees in South Florida or 105 degrees for Miami/Dade and Broward counties Southwest, West Central Florida: 108-112 or the air temp is greater or equal to 103 degrees The National Weather Service Miami said Miami/Dade County wanted a lower threshold for a heat advisory for its population. Florida weather radar for Friday, July 18 Signs, symptoms of heat stroke Heat stroke is the most serious of heat-related illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Signs and symptoms include: Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech Loss of consciousness (coma) Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating Seizures Very high body temperature Heat stroke is fatal if treatment is delayed What to do: Call 911 Move the person to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing Cool the person quickly, using the following methods: With a cold water or ice bath, if possible Wet the skin Place cold wet cloths on the skin Place cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits, and groin Soak clothing with cool water Circulate the air around the person to speed cooling Signs, symptoms of heat exhaustion Heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating, the CDC said. Signs and symptoms include: Headache Nausea Dizziness Weakness Irritability Thirst Heavy sweating Elevated body temperature Decreased urine output What to do: Take the person to a clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation and treatment Call 911 if medical care is unavailable Have someone stay with the person until help arrives Remove the person from the hot area Remove unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks Cool the person with cold compresses or have the them wash their head, face, and neck with cold water Encourage frequent sips of cool water How to stay safe. What do meteorologists recommend when it's hot outside? ➤ What's the best temperature to set your air conditioner thermostat? Drink plenty of fluids Stay in an air-conditioned room Stay out of the sunshine Check on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911. Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will provide weather coverage as conditions warrant to keep you informed and prepared. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This story has been updated to include new information. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Florida heat advisories issued as temps climb, heat index up to 113 Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Saharan Dust moves into Florida as National Hurricane Center tracks 3 tropical waves
Saharan Dust over portions of Florida is keeping skies hazy. It's also helping inhibit the development of any tropical systems. The Atlantic is likely to remain quiet through the end of June, despite some early hints at tropical formation, according to AccuWeather. ➤ Track all active storms ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Reduced air quality and rain chances are in the forecast today, June 13, as a plume of Saharan Dust remains above South Florida, according to the National Weather Service Miami. Dust, along with wind shear, help suppress tropical development but also brings hazy skies and colorful sunrises and sunsets. The first named storm in the Atlantic basin will be Andrea. Here's the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center as of 2 a.m. Friday, June 13: The National Hurricane Center is monitoring three tropical waves in the Atlantic: Tropical wave 1: An eastern Atlantic tropical wave is near 32W from 15N southward, and moving westward around 11 mph. Tropical wave 2: A tropical North Atlantic tropical wave is over the eastern Caribbean Islands at 61.5W from 18N southward, and moving westward at 11 to 17 mph. Tropical wave 3: A southwestern Caribbean tropical wave is near 80W from SW of Jamaica southward across western Panama, and moving westward at around 11 to 17 mph. "The average first named storm in the Atlantic is June 20, but development over the central and eastern basin looks unfavorable through June at this time," said AccuWeather lead hurricane forecaster Alex DaSilva. "We still expect the Central American gyre to form later this month, and its formation could spur tropical development in waters in the western Caribbean or southwestern Gulf." Now is the time to prepare for a hurricane, before a storm is approaching. Saharan dust is expected to help keep the tropics quiet into the week of June 16, according to AccuWeather. Frequent pockets of dust are moving across the Atlantic from Africa, where they'll affect Florida as they move into the Gulf. A plume of Saharan Dust is expected to arrive in South Florida starting Friday, June 13, according to the National Weather Service Miami. The arrival of the dust should decrease rain chances starting Friday. The National Hurricane Center is tracking two disturbances in the eastern Pacific, including one expected to become the next named storm later today, June 13. is located west of southwestern Mexico. Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph, with higher gusts. Strengthening is expected and the system is forecast to become a tropical storm later today and continue strengthening Saturday as it moves parallel to the coast of southwestern Mexico. Impacts to land are expected to be 2-4 inches of rain, with localized amounts of 6 inches across the Mexican states of Guerrero, Michoacán, and Colima through the weekend. The next named storm to form in the eastern Pacific, which has its own list of storms separate from the Atlantic basin, will be Dalila. Also in the eastern Pacific, an area of low pressure is expected to develop late this weekend or early next week near the coast of Central America. Environmental conditions appear conducive for some gradual development. Historically, tropical cyclones form close to the U.S. in June, with the most common locations being the northwestern Caribbean and the eastern Gulf, according to Dr. Ryan Truchelut, chief meteorologist with WeatherTiger. Truchelut is a Florida meteorologist who works with the USA TODAY Network. "None of the reputable forecast models are showing a realistic chance of anything tropical forming on the Atlantic side of Central America through mid-month." ➤ WeatherTiger: False alarms, beneficial rain and a dusty start to Florida storm season The exception is the GFS model, which is predicting a Caribbean tropical storm will spin up in 10 to 12 days, then move generally northward, Truchelut said. "The GFS has a persistent and well-known bias for incorrectly predicting development in the Caribbean at this specific time of year," Truchelut said. "All told, while something could eventually spin up in two or three weeks, the GFS' frequent false alarms should be disregarded." A "ghost hurricane" is a term used to describe a tropical storm or hurricane that appears in a forecast model but which doesn't happen in reality, according to CNN. Pensacola, western Panhandle: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 79. Tallahassee, central Panhandle: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1 p.m. It'll be mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 100. Jacksonville, North/Northeast Florida: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 3 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 100. Daytona Beach to Stuart, East/Central Florida: Best chances for showers and storms today are across the interior west of I-95. Highs reaching the upper 80s to low 90s, with peak heat indices 100 to 103. West Palm Beach to Naples, South/Southwest Florida: Reduced air quality and rain chances are in the forecast today as a plume of Saharan Dust remains above South Florida Fort Myers to Sarasota, West/Southwest Florida: There's a chance for showers today, with a high near 88 and heat index as high as 102. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said. The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Trump. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are now using Gulf of America on its maps and in its advisories. The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center. Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include: Tropical cyclone is the generic term used by the National Weather Service, NOAA and the National Hurricane Center for any tropical system, even if it's in the tropical Atlantic basin. To be more precise, a tropical cyclone is a "rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has closed, low-level circulation," NOAA said. Once maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph, what it is called is determined by where it originated: : for storms in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and eastern North Pacific. : for storms in the Northwest Pacific. : for storms in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. We will update our tropical weather coverage daily. 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 Treasure Coast Newspapers: Hurricane season in Florida quiet so far. Saharan Dust is helping
