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orywireNational Weather Service heat advisories are in effect today for parts of southeast Louisiana, southern Mississippi and South Florida. Heat index values are expected to reach as high as 108 to 109 in the advisory areas.
Heat advisories are in effect today for parts of southeast Louisiana, southern Mississippi and South Florida, with heat index values expected to reach as high as 108 to 109, according to the National Weather Service. Residents in the advisory areas should avoid the hottest part of the day when possible, drink fluids and check on neighbors who may not have air conditioning.
The National Weather Service office in New Orleans said the advisory covers portions of southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi. The affected area includes New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Houma, Hammond, Slidell, Gulfport, Biloxi, Pascagoula, McComb, Picayune and surrounding communities.
In South Florida, the National Weather Service office in Miami said the advisory covers parts of Broward, Miami-Dade and Collier counties. The listed areas include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Naples, Immokalee, Marco Island, Florida City and nearby communities.
Not every community in Louisiana, Mississippi or Florida is under the same advisory. Readers should check their local National Weather Service forecast before outdoor plans.
Southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi: Noon to 6 p.m. CDT Saturday, June 20. Heat index values up to 108 are expected.
South Florida: Noon to 6 p.m. EDT Saturday, June 20. Heat index values up to 109 are expected.
The current advisory texts checked Saturday morning did not list an extension beyond 6 p.m. local time, but heat alerts can be changed if conditions worsen or improve.
A heat advisory is a “take action” alert for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria, according to the National Weather Service. The risk comes from the combination of high temperatures and humidity, which can make it harder for the body to cool itself.
The advisories for Louisiana, Mississippi and South Florida all warn that hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
The National Weather Service advises people in the advisory areas to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors.
In South Florida, forecasters also advised taking extra precautions outdoors, wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, and limiting strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
The National Weather Service says it is never safe to leave a child, disabled person or pet locked in a car, even for a short time.
Heat can affect anyone, but the National Weather Service identifies young children, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women as groups that can be more vulnerable during extreme heat. People who live alone, have limited mobility or do not have reliable air conditioning may also need extra check-ins.
Outdoor workers and people attending events should plan for shade, water and cooling breaks before symptoms begin.
The most useful next check is before midday, when the advisories are scheduled to begin. Check local National Weather Service updates, local emergency management alerts and event or workplace guidance if you plan to be outside.
This article should be updated if the National Weather Service extends the advisories, cancels them early or replaces them with a stronger heat alert.
