Heat Index

NWS debuts experimental 'heat risk' product, asks users to weigh in

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed a controversial bill that will prevent local governments from imposing wage requirements on contractors and requiring heat-exposure protections for workers.DeSantis’ office announced the signing of the bill (HB 433), along with nine other measures passed during this year’s legislative session, in a news release Thursday night.

After several locations in Florida, including Key West, Fort Myers, Miami, Tampa and Sarasota recorded their warmest month on record in July, the Southeast Regional Climate Center is predicting that more records may be broken again this month.

Heat advisories and excessive heat continued in all of Florida on Sunday; the same is expected for Monday.

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.

Heat advisories and extreme heat conditions acrtoss the area have prompoted the opening of cooling stations and cool places where those without air conditioning can go.

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.

Due to the excessive heat, the Naples Zoo will close early, at 1 p.m., through Friday, and will set up temporary early access hours through Sept. 30.

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.