The National Weather Service in Tallahassee issued a “dangerous heat” warning Tuesday morning — the fifth one this year.
Temperatures are projected to be in the mid-to-upper 90s into the weekend, reaching heat indexes that could feel as hot as 115 degrees, said Wright Dobbs, a NWS Tallahassee meteorologist.
“While it hasn’t been our hottest summer by temperatures, it’s really been the humidity that’s been driving those heat indexes up,” Dobbs said.
This is the most excessive number of heat warnings the NWS Tallahassee has ever posted in a year, he said. Last year, the agency only issued one.
And it’s quite possible another warning could be issued this week as residents can expect little relief until the weekend or early next week when a “slight downward turn” in temps is possible.
On Monday, Tallahassee also shattered its heat record for Aug. 7, topping out at 99 degrees. Previously, the city hit 98 degrees in 1954 and 1956.
In response to the rising and sustained heat, Leon County opened a cooling station in the main library in downtown Tallahassee at 200 W Park Ave. According to a county press release, the library is offering air conditioning, comfortable seating, water access, restrooms, information and assistance, charging stations and the usual library activities.
The library is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
NWS Tallahassee recommends drinking plenty of water and limiting activity during the hottest parts of the day. Additionally, officials are warning pet owners to make sure their animals are also getting enough water and are avoiding the outdoor heat.
“If you have to do things that are outside in the middle of the day, make sure you have access to a way to cool down and stay hydrated” Dobbs said. “You have to stay hydrated because dehydration can get you as well and help compound the effects of what we’re seeing with the temperatures.”
Elena Barrera can be reached at ebarrera@tallahassee.com. Follow her on Twitter @elenabarreraaa.