This morning, the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for the Tampa Bay area, with forecasters expecting highs in the lower to mid 90s, and afternoon heat index values of 108 to 112 degrees.
The advisory, which is in place from noon to 6 p.m., covers portions of southwest and west central Florida.
“High temperatures in the low to mid 90s, combined with deep tropical moisture, will result in dangerous heat index values during the afternoon hours,” says the NWS.
Since it’s going to be stupidly hot today, here are a few precautions from the NWS:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Stay in an air-conditioned room
- Stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors
- Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances
- Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
- Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments
- Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location
- Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1.
Last week, Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady complained about the Tampa heat, specifically that snapping footballs from the overly sweaty grundles of grown men is not ideal for chucking spirals, and so we’ll keep him in our prayers today.
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This article appears in Aug 20-26, 2020.