Florida is bracing for dangerously high temperatures this Saturday, with heat advisories now active across much of Northern and Central Florida. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued urgent alerts, warning that the heat index could reach an oppressive 110°F (43°C) in cities like Jacksonville and Orlando.
From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, large portions of Florida will feel the full force of this extreme heat wave, one that meteorologists say is both unrelenting and worsening. Even in a state known for its steamy summers, these levels of heat and humidity are raising alarms among experts.
The NWS in Jacksonville cautioned that the heat index values, expected to fall between 108°F and 112°F (42–44°C), could lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other serious health risks, especially for older adults, children, and individuals with chronic conditions.
In Orlando and surrounding areas, the heat is forecast to mirror the intensity of the north, with similar triple-digit heat index values predicted. Both regions are already under the same heat advisory timeframe.
NWS Senior Meteorologist Ben Nelson, speaking by phone Friday night from Jacksonville, said the current wave is part of a broader climate trend: “It’s just a few degrees hotter than what we’re used to, but that’s making a big difference. The real concern is heat-related illness.”
Online, Florida meteorologist Jeff Berardelli echoed these concerns, posting: “Record high temperature tied in Tampa today at 96°F (35°C) and it is the first of many records in jeopardy through the middle of next week. Stay cool…”
A map released by the NWS shows the extent of the affected regions, highlighting broad zones of Northern and Central Florida in orange and red, indicating heat advisories and warnings in effect. Cities shown on the map include Jacksonville, Gainesville, Orlando, and smaller towns that will also endure the sweltering heat.
Adding to the intensity, UV levels across the state are expected to remain extremely high, with Florida among the 16 U.S. states facing a UV Index above 11, classified as “extreme” by the Environmental Protection Agency.
NWS Jacksonville also took to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a reminder of the different alert levels:
Heat Advisory: Dangerous heat index (108–112°F)
Extreme Heat Watch: Extremely dangerous heat index (113°F+) possible
Extreme Heat Warning: Extremely dangerous heat index (113°F+) expected
The wider Southeast and Midwest are also under pressure from the same weather system, which could lead to hundreds of temperature records being challenged or broken in the coming days. The humidity, paired with sustained sun exposure, is pushing public health systems and emergency services into a state of heightened readiness.
A photo taken July 25 in Miami Beach shows a man capturing the blazing conditions with his phone, surrounded by heat shimmering off the pavement—an image that captures the growing reality of Florida’s summer extremes.
Update as of July 25, 11 p.m. ET: This article now includes new remarks from NWS Senior Meteorologist Ben Nelson in Jacksonville.
