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FLORIDA - Florida sweltered through a scorching Tuesday, with temperatures reaching the high 80s and 90s as a summer heatwave took hold.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that Tallahassee hit a high of 96°F, while Crestview, Pensacola, and Panama City saw temperatures rise to 98°F, 95°F, and 93°F, respectively.
Jacksonville reached 94°F, and Gainesville recorded a high of 93°F.
Tampa and Orlando were slightly cooler, both peaking at 91°F.
In southern Florida, Port St. Lucie, Naples, and Cape Coral all saw temperatures hit 91°F, while Miami and Fort Lauderdale reached highs of 88°F and 91°F.
Palm Beach remained the coolest of the major cities, with a high of 87°F.
The Florida Panhandle was under a heat advisory, with heat indices soaring into the triple digits due to high humidity.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a reminder that extreme heat can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions. Heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke pose significant risks during these extreme conditions.
The NWS in Tallahassee also warned of scattered storms and the possibility of isolated damaging wind gusts as the day wore on.
While relief from the heat is expected later in the week, with cooler temperatures and increased rain chances, Floridians were urged to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun on Tuesday.