As we continue into July, temperatures are expected to get warmer in Southwest Florida.
Knowing how to stay safe from the heat is incredibly important during the summer. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the most weather fatalities on average are from heat.
In June, there was a massive heatwave over the Northeastern part of the U.S. There were various heat watches and warnings issued, but what warrants these advisories?
The National Weather Service (NWS) has various offices across the country, and each have different criteria for heat advisories based on local climates. The underlying factor is not the air temperature, but the heat index.
The heat index is the “feels like” temperature outside. It is calculated using relative humidity and air temperature.
Heat advisories are issued in SWFL between two different NWS offices: Tampa Bay and Miami South Florida. Collier, Glades, and Hendry Counties are under the Miami office, and Charlotte, Lee, and DeSoto Counties are under the Tampa Bay office.
The following graphic shows the criteria for heat advisories in your area.
The average temperature for July in SWFL is between 91-93 degrees. Yesterday, the high temperature in Fort Myers hit 95 degrees.
On Friday, the "feels like" temperature in all of SWFL will be in the low 100's, with Golden Gate expected to feel like 105 degrees.
It is important to be prepared for the hot summer days, even if a heat advisory is not issued for your area.
What are the dangers from heat?
Heat cramps, exhaustion, or stroke are three heat-related conditions according to the American Red Cross.
The following graphic shows the differences between heat exhaustion and stroke.
Heat cramps are muscle spasms caused by heavy sweating. The Red Cross recommends that if you experience heat cramps, you find a cooler place and drink water or a sports drink. If the cramps last for more than an hour or if the individual with heat cramps has a heart condition, medical attention is needed.
The Red Cross has given the following tips for treating heat exhaustion and stroke:
If you are experiencing heat exhaustion:
- Move to a cool place
- Loosen tight clothing
- Cool the body using wet cloths, misting, fanning, or a cool bath
- Sip water slowly
- Get medical help right away if:
- Vomiting occurs
- Symptoms last longer than 1 hour or get worse
- Confusion develops
If you are experiencing heat stroke:
Call 911 right away, then:
- Move to a cool place
- Cool the body using wet cloths, misting, fanning, or a cool bath
- Do NOT give the person anything to drink
- How do you avoid these conditions and stay safe from the heat?
First, have a plan to stay hydrated. The Red Cross said an average person needs around ¾ of a gallon of water daily. Drink sports drinks or have snacks to replace salt lost from excessive sweat. Dark yellow urine is a sign of dehydration.
Wearing light clothing and spending time in the air conditioning will help you stay cool. Avoid outdoor activities in the peak of the afternoon, between 2 and 4 p.m. The Red Cross said that electric fans are not enough to completely prevent heat-related illnesses.
If you go outdoors, stay hydrated and have a plan to keep cool to avoid heat-related illnesses.