MIAMI.- South Florida could experience the highest temperatures of 2023 and for this time of year this Friday.
A heat advisory is in effect for South Florida until 7:00 pm as highs are forecast to be hovering around 93°F with a wind chill between 105 and 110 degrees. This advisory is scheduled to expire overnight, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if it’s extended at least one more day.
In Miami, temperatures could reach 95°F, and if this is verified, it would become the warmest day so far this year.
The highest temperature we have seen so far this year is 93°F, however that number is likely to be exceeded today.
The authorities remind that high temperatures and high humidity can cause illnesses and call for action.
With the heat advisory issued, Miami-Dade County urged residents to take extra precautions, especially those most at risk such as children, infants, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers, and women. pregnant.
Erika Benítez, spokeswoman for the Miami-Dade Fire Department, warns that the “people most at risk are children under 5 years of age and adults over 65 and people with chronic medical conditions, workers who perform tasks at the open air and pregnant women”.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO FACE THE HEAT
The Red Cross and the NWS have a series of recommendations to face days with high temperatures and avoid health problems.
- The general basic recommendation is to hydrate, wear cool clothes and protect yourself from the sun if you are going to do outdoor activities.
- One of the first warnings is related to the vehicle, since the heat in a car can be deadly. “Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The interior temperature of the vehicle can quickly reach 120 degrees,” notes the Red Cross.
- It is also recommended to avoid excess caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
- If you don’t have air conditioning, seek relief from the heat during the hottest hours of the day in places like libraries, theaters, shopping malls.
- It is also advisable to avoid extreme temperature changes. Avoid exercising outdoors during the hottest hours of the day.
- Take frequent breaks if you work outdoors and frequently check pets for heat and make sure they have plenty of fresh water and shade.
COMMUNITY REACTIONS
Alberto Sopedra, a fruit vendor on Calle 8, was surprised by the heat of this day. “The day is rough. There is a lot of sun and heat, and also the steam from the cars… I have worked all my life in the sun and I always protect myself with a long-sleeved shirt and a hat.”
But that might not be enough. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued recommendations for employers with outdoor workers.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can affect those who are exposed to high temperatures, and they may experience fever, confusion, excessive sweating, headache, vomiting, rapid pulse, to the point of being a medical emergency that can lead to death. death.
In a case like this, the first thing to do is call 911. Then “remove the person from the sun and place them in the shade. People with heat stroke should not be given water, because by giving them water more sodium is lost from the organism and can become dehydrated. You have to put cold water compresses on them to lower their body temperature,” explains Dr. Dadilia Garcés, an epidemiologist at Miami Dade College.
Today’s extreme heat could be repeated during the week, so basic recommendations are worthwhile, such as “drink plenty of water, wear light clothing, stay out of the sun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and do not exercise during neither are these hours,” warns Dr. Dadilia Garcés.
