A NEXT Weather Alert remains in effect until 7 p.m. Tuesday as dangerous heat built up across South Florida, with feels-like temperatures that climbed well above 100 degrees.
A west wind was keeping the metro area under the heat Tuesday, preventing the ocean breeze from developing along the coast. Without that daily cooling influence, temperatures soared well into the 90s on Tuesday afternoon.
Miami officially hit 100 degrees on Tuesday afternoon, which tied the hottest temperature ever recorded in Miami.
This graphic shows the record breaking temperatures in South Florida on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.
CBS News Miami
The CBS News Miami NEXT Weather team explained that weather records in Miami date back to the summer of 1895, and prior to Tuesday, the only other time Miami had ever reached 100 degrees was July 21, 1942.
That means that today’s 100-degree reading ties the record that has stood for 84 years.
Health officials urged families to take precautions during the hottest part of the day. Recommendations included staying hydrated, limiting time outdoors, taking frequent breaks in air conditioning, and checking on children, pets, and elderly neighbors who may be more vulnerable to the heat.
Looking ahead, there is relief in sight.
The City of Miami hit 100 degrees on Tuesday, which is the first time since 1942.
CBS News Miami
The NEXT Weather forecast expects a pattern change later this week that will allow afternoon thunderstorms to return to the forecast, including areas along the coast. Those storms should provide at least some afternoon relief from the heat, along with much-needed rainfall for the region.
Until then, South Florida should brace for another day of dangerous heat, with little to stop temperatures and humidity from climbing toward the upper end of the scale Tuesday afternoon.