Weather alert: Heat advisory issued for Manatee County. What that means for you
Things are heating up in Bradenton and the surrounding areas, resulting in a heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service.
The advisory will be in effect from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday in Manatee County, according to a Twitter post by the Manatee County Government Public Safety Department.
Here’s what to know about the forecast:
Wednesday: While it never hit the projected high of 93, temperatures were still hot, with the high for the day reaching 91 and a heat index of 105, according to the National Weather Service’s website
Wednesday night: Expect partly cloudy and humid with lows in the upper 70s and northwest winds 10 to 15 miles per hour.
Thursday: Manatee will see a high of 95 but an even higher heat index at 112. While you can expect lots of sun and heat through the day, there’s a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 a.m. and then again after 2 p.m., with a 30% chance of rain.
The week: Temperatures expected to remain in the 90s all week, with Friday’s forecast high soaring to 97, and highs of 96 for Saturday and Sunday.
Heat advisory
Criteria: The National Weather Service defines a heat advisory as a warning that is usually issued within 12 hours of the onset of “extremely dangerous heat conditions” where heat illnesses become more likely. The general rule for the warning is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105 degrees or higher for at least two days, and night air temperatures will not drop below 75 degrees.
Warning: People are asked to stay out of the sun during a heat advisory and to avoid strenuous activities. If that’s not possible, drink plenty of water and find shade. Not taking precautions when conditions are extreme can result in serious illness or even death, the National Weather Service warns. Children, the elderly and those with chronic illness are most vulnerable to heat exposure.
Signs of heat exhaustion
- Confusion.
- Dark-colored urine.
- Dizziness.
- Fainting.
- Fatigue.
- Headache.
- Cramps.
- Nausea.
Heat exhaustion can precede a heat stroke, so those going outside should be aware of the signs and symptoms.
Signs of a heat stroke
- Throbbing headache.
- Dizziness.
- Lack of sweating despite the heat.
- Red, hot and dry skin.
- Muscle weakness or cramps.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Rapid and shallow breathing.
Anyone overcome by heat should move to a cooler location and should seek medical treatment by calling 911 immediately, the Mayo Clinic says. Heat exhaustion can be treated by resting in a cool place, drinking plenty of fluids, loosening clothing and finding other ways to cool the body.
This story was originally published June 28, 2023 at 11:01 AM.
