Florida is currently experiencing an unprecedented summer of extreme heat, humidity, and persistent high temperatures. The state is on track to have its warmest year on record, with the heatwave starting in late June and showing no signs of letting up. Heat alerts have been issued for most of the state since June 23, with only a few days of relief at the end of July. July was a record-hot month for many Florida locations, and August has continued the trend, with Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Daytona Beach, and Tallahassee all experiencing their hottest August on record so far.
The intensity of the heat is particularly notable. On Friday, the entire state of Florida was under heat advisories or excessive-heat warnings, with record highs forecasted daily through at least Wednesday. Many locations in Florida, including Key West, Miami, Sarasota, Tampa, and Pensacola, are on track to have their hottest summer on record. The year 2023 is also shaping up to be the hottest year on record for most of Florida, with no relief in sight.
The heatwave in Florida has been characterized by record-long streaks of hot weather. The National Weather Service has issued heat alerts in Florida for 49 days since mid-June, with excessive-heat warnings being issued on 14 of those days. Surprisingly, two Florida locations, Plant City and Fort Myers, have experienced more 90-degree days than Phoenix, with 128 and 113, respectively. Sarasota has had a 44-day streak of 90-degree weather, while Miami had a 34-day run that ended in late July and resumed in August. Miami also set a record with five consecutive days of a heat index of 109 or higher.
The intensity of the heat is also evident in the record-warm morning lows and afternoon highs. Key West had a low temperature of 88 degrees, its highest minimum temperature for any date on record. Several locations, including Dry Tortugas, Marathon, Miami, Orlando, and Lakeland, have seen record-warm morning lows. Afternoon highs have also set all-time records in places like Plant City, Homestead, Bradenton, Marathon, and Key West. The heat has also led to record and near-record water temperatures along the Gulf Coast.
Florida is not alone in experiencing punishing heat and humidity. The heatwave extends west along the Gulf Coast and into the Desert Southwest, with unusually resilient zones of heat pressure or “heat domes” remaining in place for months. The zone from Corpus Christi, Texas, through New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, is also experiencing its hottest summer and may compete for its warmest year on record. The El Niño climate pattern and human-caused climate change contribute to the intensification of heat across the southern states during the summer.
The forecast for the next week predicts numerous records to be set from Texas to Florida. Orlando, in particular, may endure record highs for the next six days. The Climate Prediction Center forecasts that Florida will remain warmer than average for the foreseeable future. While the heat dome may shift its focus to the central and western United States, Florida will continue to experience its influence throughout much of August.
The extreme and persistent heatwave in Florida is a cause for concern, as it poses risks to public health, agriculture, and the environment. It serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its impacts on our communities.
How has the prolonged heatwave in Florida impacted the agricultural sector, and what are the consequences for farmers and livestock?
Had its first recorded streak of 90-degree days in April, with 13 consecutive days.
This prolonged heatwave has had significant impacts on the state. Heat-related illnesses and deaths have increased, with hospitals overwhelmed by patients seeking relief from heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Power grids have been stretched to their limits as air conditioners work overtime to combat the blistering temperatures. Water resources have also been strained, with drought conditions worsening across the state.
The agricultural sector has been deeply affected as well. Crops wilt and dry under the scorching sun, leading to significant losses for farmers. Livestock struggles to find shade and water, putting their health and well-being at risk. The fishing industry has also been disrupted, as rising water temperatures force fish to migrate to deeper and cooler waters.
Experts attribute this extreme heat to several factors, including climate change and the influence of La Niña, a weather pattern characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific. These factors have contributed to the persistent high pressure system over Florida, trapping warm air and preventing cooling rainstorms from forming.
Unfortunately, there seems to be no end in sight for this unprecedented heatwave. The long-range forecast predicts above-average temperatures for the remainder of the year, with no relief from the scorching heat. As Florida continues to bear the brunt of this heatwave, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and prioritize sustainable and resilient practices to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.
