Florida Experiencing a (Dangerous) Heatwave

Florida bakes under dangerous heat wave, advisories issued.

Floridians struggle to keep cool during record-breaking heatwave.

Florida is currently experiencing a life-threatening heatdome which is ushering in a significant heatwave as of July 26, 2025, with dangerous heat conditions affecting much of the state.

Heat advisories are in place across Central Florida, including Orlando and surrounding areas, where “feels like” temperatures are soaring between 105°F and 110°F. Actual temperatures in some inland locations are expected to exceed 100°F, especially on Sunday and Monday.

This extreme heat is caused by a strong heat dome over the Southeastern United States, which is also suppressing rainfall and prolonging the dry, hot conditions. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for popular areas such as Walt Disney World and neighboring counties, with heat index values potentially reaching up to 110 degrees. Residents and visitors are urged to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and spend time in air-conditioned environments to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Staying indoors during peak heat hours is important.

Tips for Keeping Your Cool

Preparedness and Response: The heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service is part of a broader emergency preparedness framework designed to alert communities to imminent heat risks. Effective communication, availability of cooling centers, and community outreach programs are essential components in reducing heat-related morbidity and mortality during such events. This heatwave serves as a reminder of the importance of heat preparedness plans, especially in rapidly growing and climate-sensitive areas like Florida.

With extreme heat affecting parts of Florida, several cities and counties are opening cooling centers and offering resources to help residents stay safe and cool:

Cooling centers

·       Jacksonville:

The city is opening cooling centers from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Main Library (303 N. Laura St.) and the Legends Center (5130 Soutel Dr.). Additionally, all 29 city pools and 16 splash pads are open on Sundays through Labor Day and can also be used as cooling spots.

• Miami-Dade County: 

Multiple public libraries and community centers are serving as cooling sites. You can find a comprehensive list of these locations, along with their addresses and hours of operation on the Miami-Dade County website.

·       Orlando:

The City of Orlando has partnered with First United Methodist Church of Orlando (FUMCO) at 142 East Jackson Street to provide a cooling center for vulnerable populations. It operates from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday through Friday, on days when the heat index is expected to exceed 103 degrees.

• Bay County: 

Due to the extreme heat, Bay County is opening a cooling shelter at A.D. Harris Learning Village in Panama City. This shelter is available to those unable to maintain cool temperatures in their homes and can care for themselves. It is open with varying hours from July 26 to August 1.

• Volusia and Flagler Counties: 

All Volusia County Public Library branches are designated cooling stations. Several museums and attractions with indoor, air-conditioned spaces are also available. 

Additional Cooling Options

Besides the designated cooling centers, several other places offer respite from the heat:

• Libraries: Public libraries throughout Florida are generally air-conditioned and open to the public, offering a free and accessible place to cool down.

• Shopping Malls: Large shopping malls provide climate-controlled environments and opportunities to walk around in comfort.

• Museums: Many museums in Florida offer a cool and educational experience. For example, the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona Beach is recommended.

• Convenience Stores: Walk-in coolers at stores like Wawa can provide a quick cool-down, but it is important to remember to also purchase water to stay hydrated.

• Movie Theaters: Catching a movie in a cool, dark theater can be a great way to escape the heat.

• Indoor Attractions: Explore attractions like the Kennedy Space Center which offers many indoor, air-conditioned exhibits, or Florida Caverns State Park, a unique option with dry caves that maintain a cooler temperature naturally.

• Pools and Splash Pads: Public pools and splash pads, where available, offer a fun and refreshing way to beat the heat, particularly for families. 

Resources for assistance

• LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program): This federally funded program helps income-qualified families with home heating and cooling costs. You can find your local LIHEAP provider through Florida Commerce or by calling 2-1-1.

• 2-1-1: You can call 2-1-1 to connect with various resources for extreme heat and other assistance programs.

• Elder Helpline: If you are a senior citizen or know someone who needs assistance, you can call the Florida Department of Elder Affairs Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337. 

Remember to stay hydrated and listen to weather alerts. If you experience heat-related symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.