West Palm Beach, FL — The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for South Florida today, warning that heat index temperatures could soar to as high as 107°F in West Palm Beach and 109°F in Immokalee.
Advisory in Effect Until Evening
The heat advisory is active from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., covering nearly all of South Florida, with the exception of coastal Collier County and mainland Monroe County.
While the actual temperature in West Palm Beach is expected to top out at 93°F, humidity levels around 61% will make it feel far more oppressive. The heat index combines both temperature and humidity to estimate how hot it actually feels to the human body.
Health Risks and Safety Guidelines
The advisory categorizes the current heat risk level as “major,” particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly, young children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
Residents are urged to:
- Limit outdoor activity between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Hydrate often, drinking water even before feeling thirsty
- Stay in air-conditioned environments — fans and open windows may not offer adequate relief
- Avoid strenuous exercise and check on elderly neighbors
Prolonged exposure to heat under these conditions increases the risk of heat stroke, exhaustion, and other heat-related illnesses.
Storm Chances Offer Minor Relief
There is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon, dropping to 20% tonight. Light winds out of the south during the day and southeast at night, ranging from 5 to 9 mph, are expected to bring only minor relief.
On Monday, rain chances rise to 50%, but heat index values are expected to hover around 105°F again, with actual highs in the low 90s and mostly sunny skies as reported by the Palm Beach Post.
What Is the Heat Index?
The heat index is a calculated temperature that reflects what the weather feels like when humidity is factored in with actual air temperature. When humidity is high, the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating becomes less efficient, increasing the risk of overheating.
Experts advise staying indoors, using cooling centers if air conditioning is unavailable, and being especially cautious with pets and young children, who are more susceptible to heat illness.
How are you coping with South Florida’s extreme heat? Share your tips or local updates in the comments at BethelAdvocate.
