Warning for swimmers; Pictured: Jacksonville Beach, Florida — Courtesy: Image by JJacob Boomsma from Shutterstock
Thursday is predicted to bring a wave of high temperatures to the entire state of Florida along with warnings about dangerous rip currents near the coast.
At first, the east coast’s vicinity of Jacksonville and Palm Valley were the only areas included in the rip current advisory. But as powerful tropical winds are still moving toward Florida, the alert has now been expanded to include Miami, Homestead, and a large portion of the Gulf of Mexico as well as most of the east coast.
“Life-threatening rip currents” along the coast between Volusia and Martin Counties were the cause of the National Weather Service’s warning, resulting in “dangerous swimming and surfing conditions.”
With highs of 95 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of 80, Tampa is predicted to see some of the highest temperatures in the state. Swimmers are urged to heed flag signals on the beach and be mindful of strong currents when swimming over long stretches of the region’s coastline that are still under rip current warnings. Although it is very unlikely to rain today, that is anticipated to alter as the week goes on.
Similar temperatures are to be expected in Miami, with daily highs of about 92 degrees Fahrenheit and nightly lows in the mid-80s. State officials have also issued a rip current warning for Miami’s beaches due to the strong offshore winds that are coming in. There is a 14 percent probability of rain in the area, and that chance will probably rise as the weekend approaches.
Orlando will see a few degrees less heat, with a high of 93 F and a low of 77 F at night. There will also be a 10 percent chance of rain. Although there is a lot of humidity in the city, officials have warned citizens not to engage in prolonged, vigorous outdoor activities.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has upgraded the Excessive Heat Risk for Southern Florida to a “significant” level, which indicates that extended exposure to the heat might result in “dangerous and potentially deadly heat stroke.”
In addition, the NWS released the following advice for dealing with strong currents on Florida beaches: “Even the most experienced swimmers can be swept out to sea by rip currents, which carry them into deeper water.
“Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don’t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.”
Visit Florida Disaster and National Weather Service for the most recent information on weather conditions and safety advice regarding how to survive in the heat.
Stories that matter are our priority. At Florida Insider, we make sure that the information we provide our readers is accurate, easy-to-read, and informative. Whether you are interested in business, education, government, history, sports, real estate, nature or travel: we have something for everyone. Follow along for the best stories in the Sunshine State.
Chris began his writing as a hobby while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Today he and his wife live in the Orlando area with their three children and dog.
