South Florida under heat advisory: Heat exhaustion, stroke symptoms Floridians should know

Lianna Norman, Palm Beach Post
Updated ·2 min read
7
Want to see something really cool that no tablet, phone or television can truly replicate? Then don't miss out on the sunset hike Friday, June 16, at the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Boynton Beach.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for parts of South Florida, including Palm Beach County, that began at noon on Wednesday.

According to the NWS, Wednesday's heat index was projected to reach values from 105 to 108 degrees.

What is a heat advisory? What temperature is considered a heat emergency?

A heat advisory is typically issued by the National Weather Service in a 12-hour window before the onset of extreme or dangerous heat conditions. The rule of thumb for issuing a heat advisory is typically when the maximum heat index temperature for the day is anticipated to reach 105 degrees or higher.

How long will Palm Beach County's extreme heat warning last?

The NWS announced Wednesday morning that most of South Florida could be under the extreme temperatures daily through Tuesday.

Wednesday's heat advisory began at noon and extends until Friday evening.

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What's the difference between heat index and real feel temperature?

According to the NWS, "It's not the heat, it's the humidity." The heat index represents what the air temperature feels like when humidity is accounted for. High humidity makes high temperatures dangerous.

The more moisture there is in the air, the harder it is for sweat to evaporate from your skin. We all know that sweat is your body's way of cooling you down, but that cooling process only happens when the sweat evaporates.

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How to avoid heat exhaustion or a heat stroke in dangerous temperatures

According to the NWS, this is how you can prepare for a heat advisory to avoid a heat stroke in the extreme temperatures that South Florida will see this week.

  • Stay hydrated.

  • Stay out of the sun and in an air-conditioned space as much as possible throughout the day.

  • If possible, reschedule any strenuous outdoor activities for early morning or early evening.

  • Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothes.

  • If you must work outdoors, frequently take shaded or air-conditioned breaks.

What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke? Who is at risk?

Heat exhaustion is less serious and more common than a heat stroke. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat exhaustion is more likely to affect the elderly, people with high blood pressure and those working in a hot environment.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion

  • Headache

  • Nausea

  • Dizziness

  • Weakness

  • Irritability

  • Thirst

  • Heavy sweating

  • Elevated body temperature

  • Decreased urine output

Symptoms of a heat stroke

  • Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech

  • Loss of consciousness (coma)

  • Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating

  • Seizures

  • Very high body temperature

  • Fatal if treatment is delayed

Lianna Norman covers trending news in Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at lnorman@pbpost.com. You can follow her reporting on social media @LiannaNorman on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: South Florida experiencing extreme heat: How to avoid heat stroke