South Florida set a new high temperature record this week, and another day of record heat is possible on Friday.
There’s also a third-consecutive heat advisory from the National Weather Service in Miami, warning of feels-like temperatures from 105 to 110 degrees and a “major” risk of heat-related illnesses.
About that elusive record: “Yesterday we shattered the records in Miami and Fort Lauderdale in the upper 90s,” said CBS News Miami meteorologist Lissette Gonzalez during her Friday morning broadcast.
Miami hit 96 Thursday afternoon, besting the previous 95 degree record set in 2015. Fort Lauderdale soared to 97, breaking a 96 record reached in 2015 and 1915. Only comparatively cool Key West at around 90 couldn’t compete with the 94 the island chain set in 1933, according to the National Weather Service.
On Friday, brace yourself for highs of 95 in Miami, which would tie the hottest temperature on a July 31 since 1999. Fort Lauderdale’s forecast is 94, which would fall short of the 96 mark set in 1986. Key West should repeat 91 degrees, short of its 1874 record of 95.
The weather service’s heat advisory runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday for coastal Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Rain chances
While there’s a chance for a fourth heat advisory Saturday the likelihood is lessening given rain is in the forecast. The heat index peak of 103 Saturday around 2 p.m. falls short of the weather service’s 105 threshold in Miami-Dade.
Some rain, a 30% chance, is possible Friday afternoon into the evening hours.
“It could get quite soggy,” Gonzalez said about Friday’s chances. Saturday could be wetter, forecasters say.
Gonzalez warns that there’s a risk for some heavy downpours and localized flooding from passing storms on Saturday afternoon.
“The mornings are looking good this weekend if you want to be outside; that’s your time,” she said.
Tropical moisture pushes rain chances over 50% Sunday and the first full week of August looks to be wet for South Florida with rain chances between 50% and 60% through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
Reduce heat sickness 
A man hydrates as Fire Rescue transports another in Wynwood Miami, during a heat advisory on July 8, 2026. Pedro Portal pportal@miamiherald.com
Miami weather service senior forecaster Anthony Reynes considers Friday’s alert a “major heat risk” health concern for coastal Southeast Florida.
Quick tips from the NWS:
Stay hydrated.Limit strenuous time outdoors in the afternoon.If you have AC, use it. Fans may not be adequate.Wear lightweight, light colored clothing.Watch for signs of heat-related illness, such as heavy sweating; nausea; headache; dizziness or weakness; cool, pale and clammy skin; altered mental state and loss of consciousness.
This story was originally published July 31, 2026 at 8:57 AM.
Miami Herald
Miami Herald consumer trends reporter Howard Cohen, a 2017 Media Excellence Awards winner, has covered pop music, theater, health and fitness, obituaries, municipal government, breaking news and general assignment. He started his career in the Features department at the Miami Herald in 1991. Cohen is an adjunct professor at the University of Miami School of Communication.
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