Lauren Hope
•7/9/2026
All of Southwest Florida is under a heat advisory Thursday as feels-like temperatures spike to 105-110 degrees, prompting a Gulf Coast Impact Day. Many communities are likely to set record highs as temperatures reach the mid-to-upper 90s.
[image id='5f60cc71-ebcd-4c75-8a85-9afc52fe381f' mediaId='121a5f63-736c-4c5c-844c-432dbce567fe' align='center' size='medium' share='true' caption='Record Heat Possible Thursday' expand='' crop='original'][/image]Your Gulf Coast Weather Most Accurate Forecast shows temperatures reaching 98 degrees, with a heat index up to 110 degrees. The advisory is in effect Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
As Saharan dust lingers today, expect hazy conditions with slim rain chances. While a stray shower is possible this evening, most communities will stay dry.
Scattered storms return to the forecast Friday with highs stuck in the 90s. An east wind will drive the storms toward coastal communities by the late afternoon and evening.
A dense plume of Saharan dust will return to the Gulf Coast on Sunday, decreasing rain chances again and creating hazy skies. If you suffer respiratory issues, you may want to limit time outdoors and be sure to keep windows closed.
Saharan dust is common this time of year, and it helps to suppress tropical development. Saharan dust plumes typically peak from July through mid-August. No tropical activity is expected over the next seven days.
Southwest Florida residents will see visual warnings on their daily Gulf Coast weather forecasts on air and online, designed to signal if weather may disrupt their daily life or pose a serious threat.
The Gulf Coast Weather team introduced two new categories, impact days and alert days, using yellow and red symbols to flag the potential for inconvenience or danger.
These icons are designed to provide an at-a-glance understanding of how the day’s forecast may impact commutes, outdoor plans or personal safety. The alerts will appear on TV forecasts and digital platforms to help you make informed decisions throughout the day.
A yellow triangle with an exclamation mark will now appear on forecasts for days when the weather is expected to interrupt normal routines. These are not extreme conditions but can still cause problems, especially during peak travel times, holidays, or for outdoor work and activities.
For example, dense morning fog or afternoon storms might slow down traffic, create slick roads and disrupt plans. The symbol is also used for days with moderate cold or heat that may limit time spent outside.
Examples of Gulf Coast Weather Impact Day weather:
Alert Day: Red symbol warns of severe or dangerous weather
When more serious threats are expected, a red circle icon will appear on forecasts, warning viewers that the weather could become life-threatening. These are days when preparation is essential, and residents should monitor forecasts closely for updates.
The red alert may be issued for an entire day or just for high-risk time periods, such as a thunderstorm threat in the late afternoon.
Examples of Gulf Coast Weather Alert Day weather:
These icons are designed to provide you with clear and timely information about potential weather risks. The weather team encourages everyone to use the symbols as a cue to check the forecast more closely and plan accordingly.
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