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TAMPA, Fla. – The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the Bay Area and much of west-central Florida on Thursday as dangerous heat and humidity are creating potentially dangerous conditions across the region.
Bay Area heat advisory
What we know:
The heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday for numerous counties across the Bay Area and surrounding communities.
FOX 13 meteorologist Dave Osterberg says high temperatures and oppressive humidity could push heat index values, or “feels-like” temperatures, up to 110 degrees during the hottest part of the day.
The National Weather Service warns that prolonged exposure to the heat could pose a threat to life and property, particularly for people who may be vulnerable or living alone.
Counties included in the advisory include:
Pinellas CountyCoastal and inland Hillsborough CountyPasco CountyCoastal and inland Hernando CountyPolk CountyCoastal and inland Sarasota CountyCoastal and inland Manatee CountyCoastal and inland Citrus CountySumter CountyHardee CountyDeSoto CountyHighlands County Heat safety tips
What you can do:
The National Weather Service recommends residents take the following precautions:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day.Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the advisory period.Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.Check on older relatives, neighbors and others who may be vulnerable to extreme heat.
Officials also stress that children and pets should never be left alone inside a vehicle, even for a short period of time, as temperatures inside vehicles can rise rapidly to deadly levels within minutes.
Weather forecast
What’s next:
The heat advisory is scheduled to expire at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and heat advisories as summer conditions intensify across the region.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by FOX 13 meteorologists and the National Weather Service.