NWS issues an Excessive Heat Warning for Jacksonville, Duval County
After two straight days in which temperatures reached 98 degrees, the National Weather Service expects temperatures to reach 101 degrees in Jacksonville.
With this forecast, the Weather Service’s Jacksonville office has issued an excessive heat warning for parts of northeast Florida and southeast Georgia, including Duval, St. Johns, Clay and Nassau counties, where temperatures will feel as high as 110 degrees or hotter.
In some areas, including western Duval County, the temperature could be more than 115 degrees today, the weather bureau said.
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According to First Coast News meteorologist Lauren Rautenkranz, the warning is the first of its kind issued for Duval County and the first in the region since July 2012, when the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for areas of southeast Georgia.
Friday’s expected high temperature of 101 degrees will be the highest temperature recorded in Jacksonville since 101 degrees in July 2016, according to NWS data. The region witnessed high temperatures reaching 100 degrees in 2022 and 2019.
During the first 20 days of July, Jacksonville recorded five days in which high temperatures reached 98 degrees, which helped push the average high temperature this month to 95.1 degrees, compared to the normal of 91.8 degrees. (The lowest high temperature for the month was 88 degrees on July 10.)
The highest record temperature for Jacksonville on this date is 102 degrees, set in 1942.
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Just FAQs, USA Today
When high temperatures combine with high humidity levels, people feel hotter than the actual temperature, according to the University of Florida.
The heat index is a measure of how hot it feels when relative humidity is taken into account along with the actual air temperature.
Increased humidity in the air limits the body’s ability to cool through sweating.
When the heat index reaches 105 degrees or higher, conditions can become dangerous for both people and pets.
What is the excessive heat warning?
An extreme heat warning is issued within 12 hours of the start of extremely dangerous heat conditions, according to the National Weather Service.
This warning is generally issued when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to reach 105 degrees or higher for at least two days and overnight air temperatures will not fall below 75 degrees.
If you don’t take precautions right away when conditions are harsh, you could become seriously ill or even die.
What is the excessive heat hour?
Heat watches are issued when conditions are conducive for an extreme heat event within the next 24 to 72 hours. The watch is used when the risk of a heat wave is increasing but its occurrence and timing remain uncertain.
What is thermal counseling?
A heat warning is issued within 12 hours of the start of extremely dangerous heat conditions. The general rule of thumb for this warning is that the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 100 degrees or higher for at least two days, and overnight air temperatures will not fall below 75 degrees.
Take precautions to avoid heat-related illness.
What is the forecast for excessive heat?
This forecast is issued when there is a possibility of an extreme heat event within the next three to seven days. Forecasts provide information for those who need time to prepare.
Tips to protect your children from heat
Child car seat safety in the summer heat
Safety experts say you should always believe that a hot-car death tragedy could happen to you, so you have a safety plan for your child.
Accuweather
- Neonates, infants, and young children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness and death. Their bodies are less able to adapt to heat than adults.
- Children under 4 years of age have a higher incidence of hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses during heatwaves.
- The effects are more severe on children because their bodies heat up faster than adults.
Keep children calm by:
- Make them drink plenty of water. Make sure liquids are not too cold or high in sugar or sweeteners.
- Take plenty of breaks.
- Wear light-colored, lightweight clothing.
- Limit outdoor play to cooler times of the day.
Stay safe in vehicles when it’s hot
Hot vehicles can become deadly in almost no time
Heat can kill. When temperatures outside reach 100 degrees, temperatures inside the car can reach 138 degrees in 5 minutes and 150 degrees in 15 minutes. Here are ideas on how to reduce the risk of a child or pet forgetting.
Watchit, watchit
Even on mild days in the 1970s, studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked car can quickly rise to a level that is dangerous for children, pets and even adults. Leaving windows slightly open does not significantly reduce the heating rate.
- Touch the child safety seat and seat belt before using it to ensure it is not too hot before installing the child.
- Never leave a child unattended in the car, even if the windows are open, even for just a minute.
- Teach children not to play in, on, or around cars. They can accidentally lock themselves in a hot car.
- Always lock car doors and trunks — even at home — and keep keys out of children’s reach.
- Always make sure children leave the car when you arrive at your destination. Do not leave sleeping infants in the car.
Heat can be dangerous for outdoor workers, so how can you stay safe?
Outdoor workers can be more susceptible to the effects of excess heat. Here are some suggestions to follow:
- Drink water often.
- Rest and cool off in the shade during breaks.
- Gradually increase the workload and allow more frequent rest periods for new workers or workers who have been absent for a week or more.
- Learn about symptoms, prevention methods, and emergency response to prevent heat-related illness and death.
- Check the weather forecast in advance to be best prepared.
Cheryl McCloud of the USA TODAY-Florida Network contributed to this report.
