The National Weather Service Mobile/Pensacola office has issued a heat advisory for Northwest Florida, including Okaloosa and Walton counties, in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday.
- Heat index values are expected to reach 108 to 110 degrees, with high temperatures ranging from 93 to 98 degrees. The advisory covers portions of Southwest Alabama, Northwest Florida and Southeast Mississippi.
Forecasters said conditions are likely to get worse before they get better. The NWS said it has “high confidence” that heat-related impacts will increase Thursday and Friday, especially heading into the weekend, when heat indices could reach 108 to 111 degrees or higher.
Prolonged exposure to these conditions increases the risk of heat-related illness, including cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, according to the NWS.
The weather service is urging residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces, avoid direct sun and check on relatives and neighbors. Anyone who must be outdoors should wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and try to limit strenuous activity to early morning or evening hours.
