FPREN

With this dangerous heat wave forecasted to keep smothering the southern U.S. and Florida the next several weeks, it is important to know the key differences between heat-related illnesses.

From the Panhandle to the Keys, excessive heat warnings and heat advisories blanketed the state.

From the Panhandle to the Keys, temperature records were either matched or set Tuesday afternoon. More of the same was due Wednesday.

Heat alerts were in affect across the entire state and a good part of deep south U.S. states from Texas to South Carolina Tuesday with heat index values up to 115 in some areas.

Heat alerts are in affect across parts of Florida today and tomorrow, including across Southwest Florida.

The month of August begins a rapid climb to the climatological peak of hurricane season on September 10th. Historically, 90% of all hurricanes and 95% of all major hurricanes happen after August 1st.

Officials at the National Hurricane Center in Miami announced early on Friday morning that an area of low pressure centered over 1000 miles west of the Azores had developed enough to be classified as a subtropical storm. Its name: Don.

Heat index values over 100 degrees are expected through the weekend. In addition, rip currents are expected at Atlantic and Panhandle beaches.

Tropical Storm Bret strengthened overnight with sustained winds of 70 MPH. Tropical Depression Four formed in the Central Atlantic overnight and is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Cindy later today.

Tropical Storm Bret is expected to continue intensifying the next few days and likely hit hurricane status late Wednesday or early Thursday.