Jacksonville near top for heat related hospital visits

Two weeks of 90-degree heat ahead

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Get ready, summer heat has arrived and it could send people to hospitals for heat-related illnesses.

Duval County had the second highest heat-related hospitalizations during the summer months of 2016, according to the Florida Environmental Public Health Tracking Network.

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Ninety three people in Jacksonville sought medical assistance for heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which was second only to Hillsborough County's 95 hospitalizations -- and that county has 47 percent more residents.

Duval and Miami-Dade counties had the highest heat related hospitalizations in the state.

Heat exhaustion typically turns into heat stroke which is the most severe form of heat related injury and can result in death.

It's important to take it easy outdoors, with 90° afternoons anticipated daily over the next two weeks in Jacksonville. 

June has been at or above 90° every day so far, which surely should make it hotter than last year when the month had only 10 days.

With the exception of 2017, more than half of June months have reached into the 90s the past five years.

Inland North Florida is exceptionally prone to dangerous heat levels in June, July and August, away from the moderating influence of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean.

Annual mean number of days with a maximum temperature greater than or equal to 95°F.

When the Heat Index reads a value over 105° it can be dangerous.


About the Author

After covering the weather from every corner of Florida and doing marine research in the Gulf, Mark Collins settled in Jacksonville to forecast weather for The First Coast.

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