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Heat index climbs in Daytona, Volusia and Flagler counties<\/strong><\/p>\n Volusia<\/strong> and Flagler Counties<\/strong>, along with much of Central Florida<\/strong>, are currently under a heat advisory<\/strong> through 6 p.m. Friday, July 18<\/strong>, and according to meteorologists<\/strong> at the National Weather Service in Melbourne<\/strong>, these dangerous conditions<\/strong> are expected to persist through the weekend<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Even though air temperatures<\/strong> in the area aren’t breaking records \u2014 with highs nearing 93\u00b0F (34\u00b0C)<\/strong> in Volusia<\/strong> and 95\u00b0F (35\u00b0C)<\/strong> in Flagler<\/strong> \u2014 the heat index<\/strong> has soared to about 109\u00b0F (43\u00b0C)<\/strong>, driven by unusually high humidity<\/strong>. This elevated “feels-like” temperature<\/strong> is what triggered the advisory.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTemperatures are reaching the low to mid 90s, which isn\u2019t surprising for July,\u201d<\/strong> said Derrick Weitlich<\/strong>, meteorologist at the NWS office in Melbourne<\/strong>. \u201cBut what\u2019s different now is the elevated humidity across the region.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n That extra moisture<\/strong> in the air significantly amplifies the heat index<\/strong>, making it feel much hotter<\/strong> than the actual temperature.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnother factor adding to today\u2019s heat is the lack of expected rain,\u201d<\/strong> Weitlich added. With no cooling showers<\/strong> in the forecast, heat and humidity<\/strong> will linger longer<\/strong> throughout the day.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Normal July highs<\/strong> in Volusia County<\/strong> typically range between the upper 80s and low 90s<\/strong>, but this combination of heat and humidity<\/strong> is creating above-average stress<\/strong> on the human body.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While the current advisory ends at 6 p.m.<\/strong>, Weitlich confirmed that more alerts<\/strong> will likely be necessary<\/strong> in the coming days. \u201cIt looks like the heat and humidity will only continue to increase into the weekend,\u201d<\/strong> he warned.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What does a heat advisory really mean?<\/strong><\/p>\n A heat advisory<\/strong> is issued when the heat index<\/strong> \u2014 a measurement combining air temperature<\/strong> and relative humidity<\/strong> \u2014 surpasses 105\u00b0F (41\u00b0C)<\/strong>. This index<\/strong> reflects what the temperature feels like to the human body<\/strong>, not just what the thermometer shows.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n On Friday<\/strong>, humidity levels<\/strong> in Volusia County<\/strong> hovered around 84%<\/strong>, while Flagler County<\/strong> saw about 70%<\/strong>, which is more than enough to drive the heat index<\/strong> into dangerous territory<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Under these conditions, being outside \u2014 especially for long periods \u2014 can pose serious health risks<\/strong>, particularly if people are unaware or unprepared<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How heat affects your body<\/strong><\/p>\n The National Weather Service<\/strong> warns that under such oppressive conditions, heat-related illnesses<\/strong> are not just possible, they\u2019re likely. This includes heat cramps<\/strong>, heat exhaustion<\/strong>, and even heat stroke<\/strong>, especially with prolonged exposure<\/strong> or physical activity outdoors<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Those without adequate air conditioning<\/strong> or access to hydration<\/strong> are at much higher risk<\/strong>. Simply relying on fans or open windows<\/strong> at night won\u2019t be enough<\/strong>, according to forecasters.<\/p>\n \u201cTake frequent breaks in air-conditioned buildings,\u201d<\/strong> Weitlich advised. \u201cIf you’re on a job site or spending time outdoors, stay hydrated.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Early signs<\/strong> of heat exhaustion<\/strong> include dizziness<\/strong>, nausea<\/strong>, heavy sweating<\/strong>, excessive thirst<\/strong>, and fatigue<\/strong>. If someone begins to feel faint<\/strong>, it\u2019s critical to move them into a cooler area<\/strong>, loosen clothing<\/strong>, and offer cool water<\/strong>.<\/p>\n If symptoms escalate to unconsciousness<\/strong>, it may indicate heat stroke<\/strong>, which can lead to permanent disability<\/strong> or even death<\/strong>. In such a case, call 911<\/strong> immediately.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Heat index climbs in Daytona, Volusia and Flagler counties Volusia and Flagler Counties, along with much of Central Florida, are currently under a heat advisory through 6 p.m. Friday, July 18, and according to meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Melbourne, these dangerous conditions are expected to persist through the weekend. Even though […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6291,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6290","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n