MIAMI (WSVN) - A heat advisory was issued for Miami-Dade and Broward counties for the first time since July 2020 and only the second time in five years,.
As the sun came up Wednesday, so did the temperatures.
“I think, just over time, you get used to it a little bit, but it’s pretty tough right now,” said Danny Tweedel, a runner.
“It definitely has felt hotter than the last couple of days,” said Alexander, another runner.
A heat index is known as the “feels like” temperature, a combination of temperatures and humidity levels. The higher the humidity, the warmer the temperatures.
Temperatures in Miami-Dade and Broward continued to hover in the low 90s on Wednesday afternoon, but it feels like 105 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit outside.
Whether you’re a tourist out on the beach or a local on the job outdoors, medical experts advise it’s important that everyone takes the time to cool off as the temperatures rise in South Florida.
“Our body is used to operating within a certain temperature range,” said Dr. Hany Atallah, Chief Medical Officer at Jackson Memorial Hospital. “I think, when it really gets dangerous, the body isn’t able to really regulate and keep itself within that temperature range.”
Some people chose to lean into that heat and sweat it out.
“The heat is very mild compared to the humidity,” Tweedel said.
“Definitely, like, for running, you have to avoid after the main morning hours because it’s really hard to be outside,” said Alexandra, a runner.
The heat was no match for a group of boxers exercising outdoors in Miami, Wednesday afternoon.
“Let’s go. We’re killing it,” said one of the boxers.
“The heat makes you stronger. In the extreme conditions, it makes you stronger,” said another boxer.
Close to where the boxers were working out, several men were throwing hoops.
“It’s humid, hot,” said one of the basketball players.
“If my body starts to feel a little, like, drowsy or dizzy, I’ll stop,” said another player.
Others, however, have decided to sit back and relax.
A.C.’s Icees in Miami is a popular spot to cool off.
“I’d like the $7 piña colada, please,” said Miami resident Ruth Dagnan.
“Florida’s finest refreshments, deliciously refreshing,” said A.C.’s Icees server Thomas Harrington.
Among those ordering a cool and refreshing drink was Michelle Persike, who is visiting from Wisconsin.
“Right now there’s a breeze, so it’s not as bad as it was earlier today,” she said.
As they sipped their drinks, the tourists visiting from up north said it was hard not to notice the heat’s intensity.
“We’re not really used to this type of heat. It gets warm in Wisconsin, but not like this,” said one of the visitors.
“My customers are saying, ‘We got a hot one today,'” said Harrington.
Restaurants in South Beach catered to diners with large fans turned on high.
“Brutal, but fun,” said a passerby.
“It’s like a sauna,” said a diner.
“We’re going to enjoy the beach and drink margaritas,” said another diner.
A margarita might feel refreshing in the moment. but consuming alcohol during these intense temperatures can be dangerous.
“When you’re drinking excessive alcohol, you’re going to use the restroom more often,” said Atallah. “On top of that, you’re outside, you’re sweating more, so you’re losing a lot of fluid very quickly.”
If you’re going to be outside, why not be by the water?
“Right now, I’m going to take some water to refresh,” said Leonardo.
And at construction sites, crews need to work outside to keep their projects moving.
But shade and frequent breaks are advised, especially for those working outdoors
“Continuously drink water and [take] a lot of breaks if you have to work outdoors, so that way, you can cool down and go back outside,” said Miami Fire Rescue Lt. Pete Sanchez.
Sanchez advises people to pay attention to their body. For example, if people start feeling weak, have a headache or feel dehydrated, there’s a problem.
“When there is the extreme heat, you can have an increase of heat exhaustion calls, heatstroke calls, so it’s important to know the signs,” he said. “The heat exhaustion signs, some are weakness and headaches, dehydration, and then you can go into heatstroke, which can be fatal as well.”
Sanchez said that these temperatures can be dangerous, especially for children and pets.
He urges parents and pet owners to try and limit their time outside, as they are the most vulnerable.
So whether you’re working or playing, heat exhaustion can come on quickly and escalate.
Atallah said smart thinking and prevention are the key to being cool and safe on days like this.
If you see someone experiencing heat exhaustion symptoms, place a cold compress on them and get them out of the heat as soon as possible. If they continue to have symptoms, call 911.
Pet owners are also urged to keep their pets on the grass, cut evening walks short and bring extra water.
Local residents said the heat is not going to go away anytime soon.
“Here we are in June, and this isn’t even the worst part yet,” said Dagnan.
The heat advisory will remain in effect for Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties until 7 p.m. on Friday. It is also in effect for a portion of the west coast of Florida, including Naples.
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