Weekend weather in Volusia, Flagler: Expect more heat and rain

Jim Abbott, Daytona Beach News-Journal
·6 min read

Yet another day of excessive heat and thunderstorms is on tap for Friday in Volusia and Flagler counties, including the possibility of storms packing gusty winds up to 50 mph, according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne.

It’s a combination of heat and rain that’s expected to stretch into the weekend.

Here’s your weekend forecast:

How hot will it get on Friday?

Max temperatures in the lower 90s will combine with high humidity to produce peak heat indexes between 102 to 107 prior to the arrival of afternoon rain and thunderstorms, according to the NWS.

Meteorologists advise those outside to stay hydrated as heat index readings continue to rise into triple digits in Volusia, Flagler.
Meteorologists advise those outside to stay hydrated as heat index readings continue to rise into triple digits in Volusia, Flagler.

Meteorologists advise that anyone outside practice heat safety, remain well hydrated and take frequent breaks out of the sun. Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles for any length of time.

Are afternoon storms expected?

Gulf and Atlantic sea breezes will develop and push inland on Friday, sparking showers and thunderstorms, according to the NWS. Boundary collisions of thunderstorm-cooled air and surrounding air during the afternoon will produce the highest coverage of storms focused over east central Florida.

Morning beachgoers take a stroll on Daytona Beach. As the extreme heat continues, it's wise to take care of outside activities early and take precautions against heat-related illnesses.
Morning beachgoers take a stroll on Daytona Beach. As the extreme heat continues, it's wise to take care of outside activities early and take precautions against heat-related illnesses.

Resulting storms will have the best chance to become strong, capable of producing frequent cloud to ground lightning, gusty winds up to 50 mph and torrential downpours.

Chance of rain is 70% on Friday.

A cool idea: Volusia's natural springs offer an escape from extreme heat wave

In Flagler Beach, there’s a 60% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms on Friday, with a heat index expected to reach 103 degrees.

Will it rain this weekend?

A tropical wave is forecast to push westward across east Central Florida ― an area that encompasses Volusia and Flagler counties ― this weekend and produce a risk of heavy rainfall. That could result in accumulated amounts of 2-4 inches, with locally higher amounts possible late Saturday night through midday Sunday. Drier conditions are expected next week.

In Daytona Beach, there’s a 40% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms on Saturday, increasing to a 60% chance on Sunday.

In Flagler Beach, there’s a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms on Saturday, increasing to a 70% chance on Sunday.

On the beaches, a moderate risk for dangerous rip currents will continue at all Central Florida Atlantic beaches through the end of this week and into early next week.

Where to find relief from the heat in Volusia County?

As the heat wave continues, Volusia County announced a new cooling station this week.

The Salvation Army, 1555 LPGA Blvd., Daytona Beach, will be available starting Monday, Aug. 21 through Aug. 31, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

It joins a list of additional cooling stations established by the county earlier this summer, including Volusia County Library branches.

Here’s the list:

  • Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach. Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

  • DeBary Public Library, 200 N. Charles R. Beall Blvd., DeBary. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

  • DeLand Regional Library, 130 E. Howry Ave., DeLand. Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

  • Deltona Regional Library, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona. Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

  • Edgewater Public Library, 103 W. Indian River Blvd., Edgewater. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

  • Hope Place Public Library, 1310 Wright St., Daytona Beach. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

  • John H. Dickerson Heritage Library, 4111 S. Keech St., Daytona Beach. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

  • Lake Helen Public Library, 221 N. Euclid Ave., Lake Helen. Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

  • New Smyrna Beach Regional Library, 1001 S. Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach. Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

  • Oak Hill Public Library, 125 E. Halifax Ave., Oak Hill. Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

  • Orange City Public Library, 148 Albertus Way, Orange City. Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

  • Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach. Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

  • Pierson Public Library, 115 N. Volusia Ave., Pierson. Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

  • Port Orange Regional Library, 1005 City Center Circle, Port Orange. Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

  • The Bridge shelter, 421 S. Palmetto Ave., DeLand. Hours: noon to 5 p.m. daily through Aug. 23.

  • Ponce Inlet Town Hall, 4300 S. Atlantic Ave. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through Aug. 25.

  • Ponce Inlet Community Center, 4670 S. Peninsula Drive. Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week through Aug. 25.

Where to find relief from the heat in Flagler County?

Flagler County library branches also offer a respite from the soaring temperatures.

Here are the locations:

  • Main Palm Coast Branch, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway N.W., Palm Coast. Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

  • Bunnell Branch, 4601 E. Moody Blvd., Ste. F1, Bunnell. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

What are the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke?

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 cloths on your body or take a cool shower, and sip water. Seek medical attention immediately if you are vomiting, your symptoms get worse, or 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.

More: Floridians are getting fed up with record summer heat. When does Florida actually get cold?

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Volusia, Flagler weekend forecast: Any relief from heat and rain?