The National Weather Service in Jacksonville, Florida, has issued an extreme heat warning for parts of northeast and northern Florida as well as southeast Georgia, with heat index values expected to climb as high as 116 degrees from noon to 7 PM EDT today.
Impacts from the scorching temperatures include a significant increase in heat-related illnesses, particularly during periods of high humidity the warning recommends that people should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, find respite in air-conditioned spaces, and avoid sun exposure as well as checking up on those who may be especially vulnerable to the heat, including relatives and neighbors without adequate cooling arrangements, as per the National Weather Service forecast.
Residents are also advised to never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, as the interior can reach lethal temperatures swiftly; the safety measures suggest wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, and limiting strenuous outdoor activities to the early morning or evening hours signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke need prompt action, so it's important to know the warning signs.
The blistering heat comes alongside chances of showers and thunderstorms throughout the week, with the highest likelihood of precipitation being over the weekend where the forecast says there's an 80 to 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms occurring the extreme heat warning includes a wide-ranging area, with notable locations such as Gainesville, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and cities across southeast Georgia.
