Numerous cities will face a heat advisory on Saturday as temperatures could surge into the triple digits, the National Weather Service (NWS) warns.
Why It Matters
Intense heat waves increase the risk of heat-related illness. Vulnerable populations—such as older adults, children and those with chronic health conditions—face heightened risks during extreme heat.
According to the NWS, even well-acclimatized regions like Florida must take caution when temperatures and humidity push the heat index into the triple digits, elevating the danger for residents and potentially straining public health systems.
What To Know
The NWS warns residents in northern Florida that the heat advisory is in place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday for Jacksonville and surrounding towns.
“Heat index values up to 110 expected,” the advisory says, with a warning that the surging temperatures may cause heat-related illnesses.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the NWS says. “To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.”
For central Florida, the NWS says, the heat advisory is also in place for the same time period and heat index values could also reach 110 degrees for Orlando and surrounding areas.
Below are the regions affected by the advisories:
What People Are Saying
The NWS in its advisory, in part: “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”
Florida Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli posted to X, formerly Twitter, on Friday: “Record high temperature tied in Tampa today at 96 and it is the first of many records in jeopardy through the middle of next week. Stay cool…@WFLA”
NWS Jacksonville on Friday night posted to X: “🥵With the upcoming heat wave this weekend into next week, let’s review the local Heat WWA: Heat Advisory: Dangerous heat index (108-112F) Extreme Heat Watch: Extremely dangerous heat index (113+F) possible Extreme Heat Warning: Extremely dangerous heat index (113+F) expected”
NWS Senior Meteorologist Ben Nelson in Jacksonville told Newsweek via phone Friday night: “The heat has become more common in the last five years. Certainly we have a lot of heat in the summer but now it is a few degrees warmer than usual.”
Nelson added that “the biggest concern is heat illness. We’re urging people to drink non-alcoholic beverages and stay out of the sun.”
What Happens Next
Meteorologists warned that the oppressive heat wave is part of a larger system impacting much of the Southeast and Midwest, with more than 300 temperature records potentially at risk nationally next week.
Intense UV levels also accompanied the heat, with Florida among the 16 states identified by the Environmental Protection Agency as facing UV index values of 11 or higher, which is designated an “extreme” risk for sun exposure.
Update 07/25/25, 11 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from NWS Senior Meteorologist Ben Nelson.
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