JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – While many Jacksonville Jaguars fans are celebrating a Sunday victory over the Cleveland Browns, others are still recovering from the heat.
Temperatures near 91 degrees and a heat index as high as 103 made for a sweltering afternoon at EverBank Stadium.
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue tells News4JAX it responded to 20 heat-related calls during the game. Officials noted the number is not out of the ordinary for early-season home games.
Feels-like temperatures during Sunday’s Jaguars game vs. the Cleveland Browns at EverBank Stadium (Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)
News4JAX Weather Authority Meteorologist Chris Holtzman took a closer look at the game-time conditions, noting that humidity pushed the heat index to its peak value of 103 degrees.
High temperatures Sunday, September 13 (Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)Heat Safety
When temperatures soar, staying safe requires more than just finding a shady spot. The National Weather Service has outlined key steps everyone should take to avoid heat-related illness — and some of the advice may surprise you.
Slow down slow down — seriously
One of the most important things people can do during extreme heat is ease up on physical activity. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest part of the day. Those at higher risk — including the elderly, young children, and people with chronic conditions — should stay in the coolest available place, which isn’t always indoors.
Dress smart for the heat
What people wear matters more than many realize. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight and helps the body maintain normal temperatures. Dark, heavy fabrics trap heat and can make conditions more dangerous, even on a moderately warm day.
Watch what you eat, drink
Diet plays a surprising role in how the body handles heat. Foods high in protein, for example, can increase metabolic heat production and cause the body to lose more water. Staying hydrated is critical — people should drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic fluids even when they don’t feel thirsty.
Alcoholic beverages should be avoided entirely during periods of extreme heat, as alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
Find air conditioning — even for a little while
Air conditioning is one of the most effective defenses against heat-related illness. For those who don’t have access to a home air conditioner, spending even a portion of the day in an air-conditioned space — like a library, mall, or cooling center — can make a significant difference.
Don’t underestimate sunburn
Beyond the discomfort, sunburn actively works against the body’s ability to cool itself. Limiting sun exposure and using sun protection helps the body focus on keeping temperatures in check when it matters most.
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.