The heat this summer has been intense without any significant breaks. Hotter-than-average conditions have dominated. For the past 40 days, only two have been cooler than normal. Jacksonville reached 98° for 8 days in July.
This steak of heat catapulted the city to its hottest 30 days on record to date. With less than five days left in the month of July, Jacksonville could set a new hottest monthly record for the city.
But this heat is not specific to Jacksonville. Every major city in Florida is seeing its hottest 30-day average temperatures.
Combining temps and humidity results in a heat index reading or “feels like” temperature which is more realistic to how weather conditions feel on bare skin.
This chart looks at this year’s total number of accumulated hours above a given heat index value. It is compared to the long-term average dating back to 1973. There were 19 hours this summer with a 106 degree heat index which is almost double its average.
When the heat index reaches 108 degrees this is considered dangerous and heat advisories are issued. Jacksonville has reached this level six hours so far and more days like it are expected this weekend.
Heat advisories are expected this weekend and could continue into next week as another heat wave sets in for the end of July.
August typically stays hot locally until temps begin to relax by the end of September.