The Heat is On

The first Heat Advisory of the year has been issued. It will go into effect at 11am for Charlotte, DeSoto and Lee Counties and at Noon for Collier, Hendry and Glades.

All advisories expire at 7PM. Heat index values will feel more like 105-110 degrees across the area.  The actual air temperature isn't the main story this time, since it will hover in the mid-90s through the entire seven day forecast.

The real culprit is humidity, which is what pushes that "feels like" number into the 105-110 range. Expect this pattern to stick around through at least the middle of next week, so keep up with hydration and sun protection if you're heading outside.

Rain Potential

On the rain front, today is looking mostly dry with only a 20% chance of showers. Isolated storms make a return on Friday and Saturday. Then, starting Sunday and continuing into next week, our typical summer pattern comes back: scattered afternoon storms that offer a welcome bit of relief from the heat but not until later in the day.

Rip Current Risk

Beachgoers should take note of a high risk for rip currents today and tomorrow. The remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur are passing well to the north across the southeastern U.S. over the next 24 to 36 hours, and that system is tightening the pressure gradient enough to bring occasionally breezy conditions locally, especially along the coast.

That added wind is what's driving the elevated rip current danger at west and southwest Florida beaches. The risk stays high through Friday before easing back down for the weekend.

Arthur Update:

The remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur will bring torrential rainfall for the central Gulf Coast, particularly along the I-10 corridor from southern Mississippi to the western Florida Panhandle through Thursday afternoon.

Flood watches are in effect from southern Louisiana to central Georgia, where 4 to 8 inches of rainfall could lead to flooding. No rain from the remnants of Arthur are forecast in SWFL. The only indirect impact from the system will be the elevated threat for rip currents today and tomorrow.