Weather alert: Third straight ‘excessive heat warning’ in Miami area. What forecast says
An “excessive heat warning” has been issued for South Florida for the third straight day.
The National Weather Service in Miami said the warning is in effect until 7 p.m. Thursday. The Florida Keys will be under a heat advisory, which could turn into a warning.
Forecasters expect a “feels like” high temperature of 111, which triggered the warning.
“It’s going to be a scorcher,” said Lissette Gonzalez, a meteorologist at CBS News Miami. “Record heat will be possible.”
MORE: How hot is South Florida? Beach sand was 137 degrees and playground floor reached 177
What the warnings mean
The weather service lowered the threshold for the severe weather alerts this year.
Here’s what to know:
▪ A heat advisory issued when the heat index will be 105 degrees or higher for at least two hours.
▪ An excessive heat warning is issued when the heat index will be 110 degrees or higher —”dangerously hot” — for at least two hours.
#WeatherExplained: The Science Behind The Heat Index
Compared to the actual air temperature, the heat index (a.k.a. the feels-like temp.) is a better measure of how the temperature feels to the human body.
Today, Miami International Airport recorded a heat index of 114°F. pic.twitter.com/5EuIFXNrL5— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) August 10, 2023
What is the heat index?
Measurement: The heat index is “a measure of how how it really feels,” according to the National Weather Service, when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.
Calculator: The weather service uses a heat index calculator to come up with the number.
South Florida forecast
Thursday: High 94, low 81, 30% rain chance.
Friday: High 93, low 82, 30% rain chance.
Saturday: High 93, low 81, 80% rain chance
Sunday: High 92, low 81, 70% rain chance
