ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida is under a rare heat warning as “feels-like” temperatures reach dangerous levels Tuesday afternoon, flirting with records.
An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect from noon to 7 p.m.
This type of warning is not issued lightly as it is only the second time in history it’s been issued here. The previous Extreme Heat Warning in the Orlando area was in August 2023.
The only county outside the warning is Brevard County, which remains under a heat advisory.
Temperatures will soar into the upper 90s, and possibly hit 100 degrees, with heat index values reaching a sweltering 110-115 degrees.
This is more than just uncomfortable. These levels of heat can be dangerous and even life-threatening if precautions aren’t taken.
Just to give you an idea of how extreme this is: Leesburg has already hit 100 degrees two days in a row, and Tuesday could be the third, something that has never happened before.
How to Stay Safe in the Heat
If you must be outside or are planning your day, keep these key tips in mind:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Avoid peak heat hours: Try to stay indoors from 12-7 p.m.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and sunscreen.
- Never leave children or pets in cars — even for a minute.
- Check on elderly neighbors or those without air conditioning.
Around late afternoon, a few spotty showers along I-4 and toward the west could bring brief relief. Some of the storms could become strong, with wind gusts up to 50 mph and lightning.
The heat doesn’t let up much through the rest of the week as highs will remain in the mid- to upper 90s. Additional heat advisories are likely as feels-like temperatures remain elevated at 105-112 degrees.
By the weekend and into early next week, rain chances will jump to 60-70% as a front stalls over North Florida. The increase in showers could finally bring more widespread relief, gradually nudging high temps back into the low 90s and pushing heat index values closer to 100–107 degrees.
In the meantime, take this heat seriously. It’s breaking records, it’s rare, and it can be dangerous.