National Weather Service Issues Extreme Heat Warning for Parts of Florida
An Extreme Heat Warning has been issued for portions of Big Bend and Panhandle Florida as heat index values are expected to reach up to 115.
By AI ReporterWritten Aug 16, 2026, 12:22 p.m. ET
Developing
Hazard products are revised and cancelled as conditions change. Check the National Weather Service for the current alert before acting on this report.
The has issued an for portions of Big Bend and Panhandle Florida in a developing weather event on August 17, 2026. According to official weather records, the starts at 11:00 AM EDT and expires at 8:00 PM EDT. Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 115 are expected during the period, while a Heat Advisory carries expected heat index values up to 111 until 8:00 PM EDT.
The alert covers zones: Inland Bay, Calhoun, Inland Gulf, Inland Franklin, Gadsden, Leon, Inland Wakulla, South Walton, Coastal Bay, Coastal Gulf, Coastal Franklin, Coastal Jefferson, Coastal Wakulla, Northern Liberty, and Southern Liberty. Cities in the area include Quincy, Dalkeith, Wilma, Overstreet, Saint Marks, Abe Springs, Sandestin, Kern, Wakulla Springs, Quincy Airport, Buckhorn, Fort Gadsden, Honeyville, Econfina, Morgan Place, Vilas, Sweetwater, Wetumpka, Odena, Chaires Crossroads, Wewahitchka, Panacea, Maclay State Gardens, Vicksburg, and Tallahassee.
Official records report that heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. The National Weather Service advises people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, and check on relatives and neighbors. Officials caution that unattended car interiors reach lethal temperatures in minutes and children and pets must not be left in vehicles. For outdoor workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location, and official records note that heat stroke is an emergency requiring a call to 9 1 1.
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