Triple-digit highs prompt heat advisory throughout Florida Panhandle

Date:2025-07-28 23:36:22 Category:US Views:2 Comment:0

Weekend storms curbed temperatures through much of the weekend in the Florida Panhandle, but the heat is back with a vengeance on Monday.

The National Weather Service issued escalating heat advisories throughout the majority of Florida, from the Panhandle through the Sarasota area. Areas along northeastern Florida, including Jacksonville, Saint Augustine and Palm Coast, are under an extreme heat warning.

Pensacola, Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties will remain under a heat advisory on Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to the National Weather Service office in Mobile, Alabama.

Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties are under a heat advisory from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday.

The heat advisory says that heat index values up to 112℉ are expected. Pensacola, surrounding Escambia County and inland portions of Santa Rosa County will see heat index values up to about 111℉.

High temperatures in coastal areas of Santa Rosa County will see triple-digit high temperatures, with a heat index around 113℉. Fort Walton and Destin in Okaloosa County will see similar temperatures, with the heat index reaching 111℉.

Heat advisories are likely to persist through at least Tuesday before we start to see gradually milder weather into the weekend, where highs are expected to be in the upper 90s and low 90s.

What is a heat advisory? What to know about heat alerts

The National Weather Service uses a three-tiered heat alert system. Not all local offices use every heat-related product due to some places being more prepared to deal with intense heat than others.

Here's a general rundown of what each heat alert means:

Extreme heat warning — Take action! An extreme heat warning is issued when extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring. Avoid outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay indoors in an air-conditioned space as much as possible, including overnight. Check on family and neighbors.

Extreme heat watch — Be prepared! An extreme heat watch is issued when conditions are favorable for an extreme heat event but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain. Plan to suspend all major outdoor activities if a warning is issued. If you do not have air conditioning, locate the nearest cooling shelter or discuss staying with nearby family or friends who have air conditioning.

Heat advisory — Take action! A heat advisory is issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria. Consider postponing or rescheduling outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay in a cool place, especially during the heat of the day and evening.

Has July been hotter than normal in Pensacola?

July has been a toasty one in Pensacola, with temperatures averaging 1.1℉ hotter across the month so far, according to NOAA's latest climate data.

Here's a look at July's stats so far:

Month-to-date summary	Observed	Normal	Record highest	Record lowest
Avg. max temp	92.2℉	91.6℉	95.6℉ in 2000	84℉ in 1916
Avg. min temp	76.8℉	75.3℉	77.7℉ in 1932	71.1℉ in 1967
Avg. temp	84.5℉	83.4℉	85.9℉ in 2000	78.4℉ in 1923
Total precipitation	2.82 in.	7.1 in.	20.36 in. in 1979	0.18 in. in 2000

How hot will August be in Florida?

NOAA's Climate Prediction Center believes that the majority of Florida is likely to see above-normal temperatures in August. The Pensacola area stands out as the only part of the state that has equal chances of seeing below- or above-normal temperatures.

The map of areas impacted by the current heat dome is a near inversion of NOAA's monthly temperature map, which was issued on July 17. The odds could swing toward Pensacola seeing a warmer-than-normal August should the dome stick around.