Jun 23, 2009 12:16 am US/Eastern
Ft. Lauderdale Hits 100 Degrees, Shatters Record
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
For a second day in a row, the sweltering heat across South Florida has shattered records.
Monday afternoon Miami International Airport recorded a temperature of 98 degrees. This broke the old record high for the day of 94 degrees set back in 1998. In Ft. Lauderdale, a reading of 100 degrees in the afternoon tied the all-time high record set back in 1944.
Monday also broke Ft. Lauderdale's 92 degree record set back in 1956. Miami's all time record high is of 100 degrees (1942).
On Sunday Miami hit 96 degrees breaking the old heat record for the day of 95 degrees set back in 1981. Ft. Lauderdale had a double distinction. With a recorded temperature of 98 degrees on Father's Day, not only did it break the high heat record for the day (94 degrees set back in 1956) it also broke the all-time record for the month of June.
Saturday Miami tied the record high temperature of 95 degrees set back in 1944.
But Monday's heat was only half the story. Taking into account the humidity, the 'feels like' temperatures ranged from 105 to 110 degrees. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms remaining in the forecast for the afternoon; some of these thunderstorms could be quite severe with torrential downpours, lightning, gusty wind and hail.
The cause of our record heat is a ridge of high pressure over southern Georgia and north Florida which will move south across our area on Monday. Temperatures are expected to ease back to their norms, in the mid to upper 80s, beginning on Tuesday.
A heat advisory for South Florida was in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Heat exhaustion and heat cramps are likely as the 'feels like' temperatures move into the low 100s. Heat stroke is possible with prolonged exposure or strenuous physical activity.
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This summer, Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue will respond to numerous calls for heat-related emergencies. While many heat-related problems are not life threatening, hundreds die across the nation each year due to heat-related illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta. CDC records also show that from 1979 to 2002, excessive heat exposure caused 8,966 deaths in the United States.
Those most at risk are the elderly and children under the age of five. People who show signs or symptoms of heat-related illnesses need immediate medical care and are urged to dial 911.
Here are some heating busting tips from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue:
- Drink plenty of cool fluids throughout the day, but avoid those that contain caffeine, alcohol or a high sugar content, since they actually contribute to dehydration and make a heat-related illness worse.
- Stay indoors in an air-conditioned place and limit you outdoor activities to the early morning or evening hours, avoiding the mid-day sun.
- If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
- Check frequently on the elderly, young children and others at higher risk for heat-related illnesses.
- And don't forget your animals. Keep them in an air-conditioned area if possible and provide plenty of fresh water.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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