Florida Heat, Quiet Tropics
Florida Primary Election Day Sees Record Heat Amidst Warnings; Atlantic Tropics Remain Quiet
Florida's primary Election Day is hitting voters with brutal heat. Temperatures are reaching 100 degrees, with feels-like readings as high as 118 degrees in some areas, according to Tallahassee.com. The entire state is under either an extreme heat warning or a heat advisory.
The dangerous heat is expected to last for several more days. Florida Today reports that the central Panhandle is seeing the worst of it, while central Florida's heat index is climbing as high as 110 degrees.
Record Heat Blanketing Every Corner of Florida
No part of Florida is escaping the heat. Every county is under some form of heat alert, according to Daily Commercial. That is unusual — statewide coverage of this kind means even coastal areas with sea breezes are dangerously hot.
The central Panhandle is getting hit hardest, with feels-like temps near 118 degrees. Central Florida is not far behind, with heat index values around 110 degrees, Ocala.com reported. Voters heading to polling places should drink water and limit time outdoors.
Tropics Stay Quiet Despite Peak Hurricane Season Approaching
Despite the calendar creeping toward the busiest stretch of hurricane season, the Atlantic tropics are calm. No tropical cyclone activity is expected over the next seven days, according to Jacksonville.com. Strong wind shear and dry air are keeping storms from forming.
The next storm name on the list is Dolly. Forecasters are watching a single area west of Africa with a low risk for development between Aug. 22 and Aug. 24, St. Augustine Record reported. For now, it is not a serious threat.
Pacific Hurricane Lala Strengthens While Atlantic Stays Dormant
While the Atlantic sits quiet, the Pacific is more active. Hurricane Lala has regained hurricane strength and is expected to remain a hurricane for several days, according to News-Press. The storm poses no threat to Florida or the continental United States.
The contrast between the two basins is striking. The Atlantic is in a lull driven by unfavorable wind patterns. But that will not last forever — the Atlantic hurricane season peaks on Sept. 10, with the busiest window running from mid-August to mid-October, PNJ reported.
What Voters Should Know Heading to the Polls Today
With heat this extreme, going outside carries real risk. Health officials warn that heat index values above 103 degrees can cause heat exhaustion in less than an hour. Voters should wear light clothing, bring water, and find shade while waiting in line.
Polling places are air-conditioned, which offers some relief. But the walk to and from the car can still be dangerous. Florida Today urges residents to check on elderly neighbors and avoid being outside during peak heat hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
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