Florida’s heat is part of its appeal in January and a health risk in August. The National Weather Service lists older adults, particularly those with existing illnesses, those who take certain medications, live alone or have limited mobility, among the people most affected by extreme heat. A few habits and a plan for power outages make a big difference.
How hot it gets, and for how long
NOAA’s 1991-2020 normals show that July average highs are above 90 degrees in every major Florida city it measures. What differs is how long the heat lasts:
| City | Days 90°F or hotter a year | July average low |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Myers | 120.3 | 74.7°F |
| Orlando | 109.9 | 73.2°F |
| Tallahassee | 102.6 | 73.0°F |
| Tampa | 94.3 | 76.6°F |
| Miami | 91.4 | 77.5°F |
| Jacksonville | 80.1 | 73.2°F |
| Pensacola | 67.7 | 75.3°F |
| Key West | 56.5 | 80.6°F |
Warm nights matter too. When the low stays in the mid-70s or above, as it does across much of the state in summer, the body gets little relief overnight without air conditioning.
Humidity makes it worse
The Florida Division of Emergency Management explains that the state is always influenced by tropical moisture, especially in summer. The heat index, the apparent temperature, combines air temperature and humidity; the higher it is, the harder it is for the body to cool itself.
Never leave anyone in a parked car
The division warns that the temperature inside a parked car can rise to 135 degrees in less than ten minutes. The National Weather Service says it is never safe to leave a child, a disabled person or a pet locked in a car, even in winter. If you see one left in a hot car, call 911. Older adults with limited mobility should not wait in a car while someone runs an errand.
Know the alerts
The National Weather Service issues heat products as conditions warrant, often in coordination with local partners:
- Heat Advisory: dangerous heat that does not reach warning criteria. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities.
- Extreme Heat Watch: conditions are favorable for an extreme heat event. Plan to suspend major outdoor activities and, if you have no air conditioning, find the nearest cooling location.
- Extreme Heat Warning: extremely dangerous heat is expected or occurring. Avoid outdoor activity, especially in the heat of the day.
Warning signs and first aid
Heat cramps
Painful cramps or spasms, usually in the legs or abdomen, with heavy sweating. The NWS advises firm pressure or gentle massage and sips of water unless the person is nauseated, and medical attention if cramps last longer than an hour.
Heat exhaustion
Heavy sweating, weakness, cool, pale, clammy skin, a fast weak pulse, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache or fainting. Move the person somewhere cooler, preferably air-conditioned, loosen clothing, apply cool wet cloths or a cool bath and offer sips of water. Get medical help if they vomit or symptoms worsen or last more than an hour.
Heat stroke
A throbbing headache, confusion, slurred speech, nausea, dizziness, a body temperature above 103 degrees, hot red skin, a rapid strong pulse, fainting or loss of consciousness. This is a medical emergency: call 911 or get to a hospital immediately, and cool the person while you wait. The NWS warns that a fan blowing on someone may actually make them hotter when the heat index is above the 90s.
Everyday habits
The Division of Emergency Management’s advice for heat waves:
- Slow down; move strenuous activities to the coolest time of day. People at risk should stay in the coolest available place, which is not necessarily indoors.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Drink plenty of fluids even if you are not thirsty. People with epilepsy, heart, kidney or liver disease, on fluid-restricted diets or with fluid retention should ask a doctor first.
- Do not take salt tablets unless a doctor says so.
- Spend time in air conditioning; if you have none at home, spend part of each hot day somewhere that does.
- Avoid too much sun; sunburn makes it harder for the body to shed heat.
Tip: Arrange a daily check-in with a neighbor or family member during heat advisories, especially if you live alone. The NWS lists living alone among the factors that raise risk.
When the power goes out
Summer storms and hurricanes can knock out air conditioning for days. If you use a generator, run it only outdoors, far from windows and doors, because of carbon monoxide, and let it cool before refueling. Keep water and medications ready as described in Hurricane Season Preparation for Florida Seniors: Kit, Medications, Zones and the Special Needs Registry.
Heat is also a reason to compare regions before you move; see Choosing a Florida Town for Retirement on a Budget: Climate and Costs Region by Region.