NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)August 14, 2026Hillsborough
National Weather Service issues Extreme Heat Warning for Florida as temperatures approach record highs
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for the western Big Bend and eastern Panhandle as near-record temperatures and dangerous heat indices are expected through early next week. Residents across North, Central, and Big Bend Florida face prolonged heat exposure with heat indices potentially reaching 114 degrees.
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)Why It Matters
Residents in affected areas face an increased risk of heat-related illnesses due to sustained high temperatures and dangerous heat indices that exceed typical summer averages.
Key Facts
- The National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Warning for the western Big Bend and eastern Panhandle for Friday.
- Heat index values are forecasted to reach as high as 114 in affected areas.
- Tampa may tie a record high of 97 degrees on Friday, originally set in 1961.
- Jacksonville may tie a record high of 99 degrees on Monday, originally set in 1954.
- Gainesville faces temperatures near records set in 1918 for multiple days.
- Extreme Heat Risk alerts are in place for Gainesville, Ocala, Tallahassee, and Lake City.
- Saint Petersburg heat indices are expected to range between 106 and 108 this weekend.
- Tallahassee temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s, remaining well above average.
Who's Mentioned
organizationNational Weather Service“Issued the Extreme Heat Warning”locationTampa“Forecasted to potentially tie a 1961 record high of 97”locationJacksonville“Forecasted to potentially tie a 1954 record high of 99”locationGainesville“Forecasted highs near records set in 1918”locationTallahassee“Under Extreme Heat Warning”