Heat advisory issued for Daytona Beach, elsewhere in Central Florida: What you need to know

Jim Abbott, Daytona Beach News-Journal
·4 min read
1

Another weekend, another dose of outrageously high temperatures at the World’s Most Famous Beach and elsewhere in Central Florida.

A heat advisory has been issued through 7 p.m. Saturday by the National Weather Service in Melbourne for areas throughout east Central Florida as far south as Stuart to north of Daytona Beach and inland to Leesburg in Lake County.

In Daytona Beach, the advisory calls for afternoon highs in the mid- to high-90s, with peak heat index values ranging from 106-111 degrees or more. On the beaches, there’s also a moderate risk of rip currents, the advisory states.

If you’re outside, the weather service advises that you take measures to protect yourself from the heat and sun, to wear protection, including a hat and sunscreen, to stay well-hydrated, and take frequent indoor breaks as needed, preferably in an air-conditioned room.

If you're headed to the beach, take precautions against the heat and be aware of a moderate risk of rip currents, according to an advisory on Saturday from the National Weather Service.
If you're headed to the beach, take precautions against the heat and be aware of a moderate risk of rip currents, according to an advisory on Saturday from the National Weather Service.

Also, the advisory offers a reminder to never leave children or pets in a vehicle unattended for any length of time.

Forecast also calls for storms

The Saturday forecast also calls for scattered showers and thunderstorms to push eastward at 10 to 15 mph across inland areas in the afternoon. The storms are predicted to become numerous along the I-95 corridor and coast by late afternoon.

Some storms could become strong, capable of gusty winds up to 45 mph, frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, and torrential rainfall.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are also forecast through at least the middle of next week. Stronger storms will be capable of producing frequent lightning strikes, gusty winds, and localized flooding from torrential downpours.

More: Beat the heat: Good spots to stay cool during heat wave in Volusia, Flagler

Afternoon temperatures will remain above normal, along with high humidity into next week. Peak afternoon heat indices are forecast to reach 107-110 degrees again on Sunday and between 100-106 degrees through next week.

Here are some important things to know about weathering the heat wave:

Tips to stay cool

The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County offers these tips to beat the heat:

  • Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.

  • Stay indoors in air conditioning, especially during the hottest part of the day.

  • Schedule outdoor activities for early morning or later evening hours to avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day.

  • Wear sunscreen.

  • Stay hydrated.

  • Replace salts and minerals by drinking sports drinks after excessive sweating.

  • Stay away from sugary or alcoholic drinks.

  • Never, ever leave children, older adults, or pets alone in a car.

Know the signs

Volusia County’s 14 public library branches have been designated as cooling stations during the stretch of extreme heat. Most of them are open on Saturday if you need a break from the heat.

Volusia County offers these tips to determine if you’re suffering from heat-related illnesses:

Heat exhaustion. It begins with heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps weakness, dizziness, headache, and possible fainting.

If you experience these symptoms, move to a cool place, loosen your clothes, put cool, wet clothes on your body, or take a cool shower, and sip water. Seek medical attention immediately if you are vomiting, your symptoms get worse, or your symptoms last longer than one hour.

Heat stroke. This is a medical emergency. It’s characterized by a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, hot and red skin, rapid pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and possible loss of consciousness.

Call 911 right away, move the person to a cooler place, and lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath. Do not give the person anything to drink.

Don't forget to take care of pets

Volusia County Animal Services recommends that pet owners follow these safety tips.

  • Keep plenty of clean, cool drinking water available at all times.

  • Keep your pet indoors during the hottest times of the day.

  • Never leave your pet in a parked car, even for a minute.

  • Protect your pet from the sun. If your pet must stay in the yard (instead of the cool indoors, which is recommended), make sure there is adequate shade and ventilation.

  • To help your pet stay cool, clip coats short, but not shaven. Sunburn is a danger to animals, especially light-colored animals.

  • Dog paw pads burn easily, so avoid hot surfaces such as asphalt on hot days. Exercise pets in the morning or evening when it’s cooler.

  • The key symptoms of overheating in pets are excessive panting, stupor and collapse. Other symptoms include difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, vomiting, bloody diarrhea and seizures.

  • If your pet is overcome by the heat, place a cool, wet towel on the animal. When the towel becomes warm, replace it with another cool towel. Never immerse a pet in ice-cold water as it may cause shock.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Heat advisory issued on Saturday for Volusia County, Central Florida