South Florida was struck hard by heat, humidity, and scorching ocean temperatures in May. The National Weather Service verified on Saturday what most locals already knew: 2024 smashed all previous records for the warmest May in South Florida.
Thus, what can we anticipate in June?
Will Florida continue to rank second in the nation for 911 emergency calls pertaining to heat-related diseases, which it attained in May?
In South Florida, the first week of June could provide some respite from the unprecedented heat and reduce the likelihood of heat-related diseases thanks to sporadic rains during the weekend. Heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat stroke, dehydration, and even death can result from extreme heat.
This week’s feels-like temperatures in South Florida are expected to remain around 100 degrees, which will make it more comfortable and less hazardous for most people to workout outside or just stroll down the beach. For those who have health concerns like asthma or heart disorders, staying hydrated is even more crucial.
This is the forecast for the coming week based on the Heat and Health Tracker provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People who spend a lot of time outside or are sensitive to heat may experience health effects throughout Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Plantation, and Weston. Through Thursday, the heat health risk is predicted to be moderate.
On Friday and Saturday, the risk increases significantly. The CDC recommends staying as far inside as possible during such days if you must go outside. Additionally, “even a few hours in a cool location can lower your risk for health impacts from heat,” the organization reminds locals.
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There is a greater likelihood of emergency response calls and hospital ER visits for heat-related illnesses on Friday and Saturday, when the risk is predicted to escalate to major.
In these Broward cities on Sunday, the feels-like temperature was 93 degrees. Although heat can worsen the quality of the air, on Sunday the air in these cities was mild, so most people felt safe going outside.
Cities in Palm Beach County include Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and Delray Beach: Through Wednesday, there shouldn’t be much of a heat-related health concern in these locations, so as long as individuals drink plenty of water, most people should be OK engaging in outdoor activities. From Thursday through Saturday, the risk increases to a moderate level, so if at all feasible, you should engage in outdoor activities in the twilight or evening hours.
Based on the heat-related health risk, the CDC said on Sunday that “today is a good day to be outside for most people.”
In contrast to the above 100 degree feels-like temperature that the region had for several days in May, the feels-like temperature in these Palm Beach cities on Sunday was only 93 degrees.
Monday is a favorable day for most individuals to be outside in Miami-Dade, including downtown Miami, Surfside, and Aventura, as the heat risk is minimal. However, for the remainder of the week, there is a moderate risk, so those who spend a lot of time outside or are susceptible to heat should take additional care to stay hydrated and prevent heat-related illnesses.
The majority of Miami residents reported moderate air quality on Sunday, with a feels-like temperature of 94 degrees. This suggests that most people are comfortable spending time outside, but individuals who are sensitive to air pollution may be affected.
Although it’s too soon to tell how many sweltering days this summer will bring, South Florida’s summer heat normally peaks in the first and second weeks of August. In the tri-county area, summer 2023 was the hottest on record.