Tuesday's Heat Wave Breaks Records

TALLAHASSEE, FL -- Florida's heat wave continued Tuesday, tying and breaking heat records across the state.

Florida's Division of Emergency Management said Tallahassee tied its record for consecutive 100-degree days, seven in a row, a record that was set back in June, 1998.

The National Weather Service in Miami stated that yesterday was the hottest day across south Florida since July 21, 1942.

Vero Beach reached 101 degrees for the first time ever and Fort Lauderdale tied its all-time record high of 100 degrees, where records also go back to the late 1800s.

"It's very unusual for us to have this strong of a system that prevents our sea breeze thunderstorm activity during the afternoons so with the less afternoon clouds and again this high pressure we've really been allowed to heat up even more than we normally do," said Ben Nelson, State Meteorologist with Florida's Division of Emergency Management.

"The most important thing is to stay hydrated and hydrate yourself ahead of time, check on your neighbors, elderly folks are more susceptible to heat illness, particularly heat exhaustion and heat stroke so check on your neighbors, stay hydrated and those are the best things to do."

Florida's Division of Emergency Management also wants to remind Floridians that this week is Lightning Safety Awareness Week. With storms expected later this week, they remind you to go indoors for at least 30 minutes after you hear thunder.

According to Emergency Management, lightning causes an average of 10 fatalities and 40 injuries per year in Florida; west/central Florida usually has the most lightning strikes in the state.

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