SANFORD, Fla. – Central Florida sizzled under dangerously high temperatures Monday, with record-breaking heat reported in several areas — and even hotter conditions are expected to follow.
Both Sanford and Leesburg shattered their daily record highs. Sanford hit 99°F, tying the previous record of 99° set in 1998. Leesburg soared to 100°F, topping the 96° record from 1968.
As if those temperatures weren’t hot enough, the heat index — what it actually feels like outside — climbed well above 110° in spots, thanks to the high humidity blanketing the region.
The sweltering heat sent many people looking for something to-do indoors to cool off. Chief Meteorologist Candace Campos found herself taking her daughter to an ice rink to beat the heat. A pretty “cool” idea indeed!
The worst heat may still be ahead.
Extreme Heat Watch Issued for Tuesday
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for portions of Central Florida on Tuesday, including areas around Orlando, Sanford, Leesburg, Daytona Beach, Ocala and Palm Coast. This rare heat alert means conditions could become life-threatening for those exposed for prolonged periods.
Forecasters expect heat index values to reach between 110° and 115° for several hours during the afternoon — a level that can quickly overwhelm the body’s ability to cool itself.
Stay Safe: What You Need to Know
With temperatures this high, heat-related illnesses can develop fast — even in healthy individuals. Here are a few key safety tips:
- Limit time outdoors during the hottest part of the day (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Never leave children or pets in cars — even for a few minutes
- Check on elderly neighbors or anyone without air conditioning
When Will Relief Arrive?
Some isolated afternoon storms may pop up tomorrow, building later in the week, but heat and humidity will remain the dominant weather story through midweek. Temperatures may ease slightly by the weekend, but the heat index will likely remain uncomfortable.
Stay tuned to local News 6 weather app and weather streaming updates for the latest — and take heat advisories seriously. Your body (and your power bill) will thank you.