Bradenton, Manatee heat advisory expires but heat index still could be 106, NWS says

A heat advisory was issued Sunday for parts of Southwest Florida as the “feels like” temperature was expected to reach up to 110 degrees, the National Weather Service said.

The advisory area included Bradenton, Manatee County, Sarasota and Sarasota County and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

By Monday, the advisory had expired but the heat index was still expected to reach 106 in Manatee. The advisory is still active in South Florida and on the east coast from Miami to Melbourne.

Thunderstorms are expected to develop over the Gulf and move east toward the Tampa Bay area on Monday, with scattered showers possible.

It’s forecast to dry out mid-week but then moisture returns toward the weekend with increased chances of rain in the afternoons and evenings.

“Highs in the lower/mid-90s expected across through the remainder of the week, with heat indices continuing to flirt with advisory levels,” the weather service forecast discussion said Monday.

The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity makes it more likely for heat illness to occur.

The weather service advises residents to stay indoors in the A/C if possible.

“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside,” a Sunday morning advisory said. “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.”

Bradenton forecast

Tuesday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 106. South-southeast wind 5-10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. West northwest wind 5-7 mph becoming northeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. East-northeast wind 5-8 mph becoming west-northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Wednesday night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. North northwest wind around 8 mph becoming east after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95. East-northeast wind 7-10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Thursday night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m.. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. East wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95. East wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke threat

Those going outdoors in high temperatures should stay hydrated and know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Signs of heat exhaustion include:

Heat exhaustion can be treated by resting in a cool place, drinking fluids, loosening clothing and other cooling methods, Mayo Clinic advises.

Heat exhaustion can precede a heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke include:

Anyone experiencing symptoms of heat stroke should seek medical treatment immediately.

This story was originally published July 23, 2023 at 12:49 PM.