NWS Warns High Heat and Humidity May Cause Heat Illnesses in Florida
The National Weather Service has detailed the risk of heat illnesses across southwest and west central Florida.
2 reports on this incident · first at Aug 17, 2026, 1:16 a.m. ET
Hazard products are revised and cancelled as conditions change. Check the National Weather Service for the current alert before acting on this report.
Earlier reports
Aug 17, 2026, 1:16 a.m. ETFirst report
National Weather Service Issues Heat Advisory for Southwest and West Central Florida
In a developing weather situation, official records from the National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL show a Heat Advisory has been issued for all of southwest and west central Florida. The advisory covers 24 zones and is in effect on August 17, 2026, starting at 11 AM EDT and expiring at 7 PM EDT.
Official records report that heat index values are expected to reach up to 110. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses across the region, which includes Sumter, Pinellas, Polk, Hardee, Highlands, and DeSoto counties, as well as coastal and inland areas of Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee counties.
To mitigate risk, official records recommend that residents drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
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Revision history
- Version 117 Aug 2026, 05:25current
First published.
- Version 117 Aug 2026, 05:16current
First published.
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