NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)July 29, 2026Hillsborough
Severe Weather and Heat Alert for Florida
Florida faces a week of dangerous heat indices reaching 115 degrees, alongside a significant risk of flash flooding and severe thunderstorms. Residents are also warned of high rip current risks along the West Coast through the weekend.
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)Why It Matters
Residents in the Florida Panhandle and North Florida face immediate risks of property damage from 60 mph wind gusts, flash flooding, and heat-related health emergencies through the weekend.
Key Facts
- Heat indices in North Florida are expected to reach as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Temperatures in North Florida may reach 100 degrees between 11 AM and 8 PM on Wednesday.
- The Weather Prediction Center has issued a Moderate Risk for flash flooding for the Panhandle through North Florida.
- Severe thunderstorms on Wednesday may produce wind gusts up to 60 mph.
- A high risk of rip currents is expected along Florida's West Coast from Wednesday through Saturday.
- Seas could build as high as 6 feet, with choppy conditions in bays and inland waters.
- The flash flood threat is expected to expand from the Panhandle and North Florida into Central Florida through the weekend.
- Saharan dust is expected to limit thunderstorm activity in South Florida starting Sunday.