From rain to heat, Florida’s weather continues to swing from one extreme to the next.
After most of this week was spent keeping an umbrella handy as residents watched Invest 93L move across the state into the Gulf, most of South Florida will spend Friday, July 18, trying to find some place to stay cool.
➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location
A heat advisory has been issued for the first time this summer in South Florida, according to the National Weather Service Miami. The heat index could get as high as 111, with the strongest heat expected along the southern Gulf Coast.
Southwest Florida won’t be much better, with a heat index ranging between 100 and 107.
And the National Weather Service warned portions of the state’s east coast and Central Florida face a major heat risk.
Here’s what to expect today.
Weather watches and warnings issued in Florida
Heat advisory issued for South Florida. Heat index could hit 111
Heat index could hit as high as 110 July 18, with the strongest heat expected along the Gulf Coast.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for South Florida from 11 a.m. July 18 until 6 p.m.
The heat index could reach between 105 and 111 across portions of southeast, south and southwest Florida and could reach even higher is some isolated locations, the National Weather Service said.
The strongest heat is expected along the Gulf Coast.
What to expect today in South Florida:
West Palm Beach: High 86. Heat index as high as 101.
Miami: High 88. Heat index as high as 103.
Naples: High 93. Heat index as high as 107.
Immokalee: High 96. Heat index as high as 107.
Southwest Florida could see heat index as high as 107
Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid 90s over inland areas July 18, 2025, with a heat index between 100 and 107.
Drier air is moving into the area, allowing temperatures to increase across Southwest Florida and the west coast. Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid 90s over inland areas, with heat indices ranging between 100 and 107.
What to expect today in Southwest Florida:
Fort Myers: High 95. Heat index as high as 103.
Sarasota: High 91. Heat index as high as 102.
Tampa: High 95. Heat index as high as 105.
Major heat risk forecast for some areas of Central Florida, East Coast
A major heat risk is forecast for portions of Central Florida July 18, 2025.
A major heat risk is forecast for portions of Central Florida today, July 18, according to the National Weather Service Melbourne.
What to expect today in East, Central Florida:
Daytona Beach: High 89. Heat index as high as 104.
Melbourne: High 90. Heat index as high as 105.
Vero Beach: High 90. Heat index as high as 102.
Stuart: High 88. Heat index as high as 102.
Orlando: High 95. Heat index as high as 105.
A major heat risk means there is a risk for heat-related illnesses for most residents, especially for those without access to air conditioning or who don’t stay hydrated.
The National Weather Service recommends:
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
Avoid outdoor activities during the warmest parts of the day
Stay in air-conditioned location, especially during the day
What about the rest of Florida? What’s the forecast for today?
Heat index and temperature map for US, Florida
What is the heat index?
Heat index calculator
The heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature, according to the National Weather Service.
At its most basic: the heat index is what the temperature feels like when you’re outside.
The chart above shows the combination of air temperature with humidity. It’s important to note the chart uses the air temperature in the shade. In direct sun, the air temperature can be up to 15 degrees higher.
In Florida, except for Miami-Dade County, the National Weather Services offices around the state would issue a heat advisory if the heat index is expected to reach 108 to 112 degrees. The National Weather Service Miami said Miami/Dade County wanted a lower threshold for an advisory for its population, which was set at 105 degrees.
NWS issues several types of heat-related warnings
National Weather Service changed its heat watch and warning terms in March 2025. Here’s what you should know:
Excessive heat watches were renamed to extreme heat watches.
Issued when dangerous heat is possible and residents are encouraged to be prepared.
Excessive heat warnings were renamed to extreme heat warnings.
Issued when dangerous heat is happening or about to happen.
➤ See when heat watches and warnings could be issued in your area
What is a heat advisory?
A heat advisory is issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria, according to the National Weather Service.
“Residents are advised to consider postponing or rescheduling outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay in a cool place, especially during the heat of the day and evening.”
When a heat advisory is issued also depends on where you are in Florida.
For most of the state, a heat advisory is issued if the heat index is expected to be between 108 to 112 degrees.
Here is the breakdown by each NWS region. A heat advisory is issued when the heat index is expected to be:
Western Panhandle: 108-112 degrees
Central Panhandle, North Florida: 108 to 112 within the next 6 to 24 hours or air temperature is forecast to reach 103 degrees
Northeast Florida: 108-112 degrees
East Central Florida: 108 to 112 degrees
In South Florida: 108 degrees in South Florida or 105 degrees for Miami/Dade and Broward counties
Southwest, West Central Florida: 108-112 or the air temp is greater or equal to 103 degrees
The National Weather Service Miami said Miami/Dade County wanted a lower threshold for a heat advisory for its population.
Florida weather radar for Friday, July 18
Signs, symptoms of heat stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious of heat-related illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Signs and symptoms include:
Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
Loss of consciousness (coma)
Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
Very high body temperature
Heat stroke is fatal if treatment is delayed
What to do:
Move the person to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing
Cool the person quickly, using the following methods:
With a cold water or ice bath, if possible
Place cold wet cloths on the skin
Place cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits, and groin
Soak clothing with cool water
Circulate the air around the person to speed cooling
Signs, symptoms of heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating, the CDC said. Signs and symptoms include:
Elevated body temperature
What to do:
Take the person to a clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation and treatment
Call 911 if medical care is unavailable
Have someone stay with the person until help arrives
Remove the person from the hot area
Remove unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks
Cool the person with cold compresses or have the them wash their head, face, and neck with cold water
Encourage frequent sips of cool water
How to stay safe. What do meteorologists recommend when it’s hot outside?
➤ What’s the best temperature to set your air conditioner thermostat?
Stay in an air-conditioned room
Check on relatives and neighbors.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911.
Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text
What’s next?
We will provide weather coverage as conditions warrant to keep you informed and prepared. Download your local site’s app to ensure you’re always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here.
This story has been updated to include new information.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Florida heat advisory issued as temps climb, heat index up to 113