ORLANDO, Fla. – The Florida heatwave continues as a massive so-called “heat dome” brings dangerously hot temperatures to Orlando and Central Florida, and the rest of the Sunshine state.
An extreme heat warning has been issued for Volusia, Lake, Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties until 7 p.m. Tuesday due to the dangerous heat index (real temperatures and humidity), which could reach 110 to 115. A heat advisory has been issued until 7 p.m. Wednesday for Volusia, Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties, indicating heat index values between 108 and 112.
The dangerous heat could lead to heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
What is a heat dome?
A heat dome happens when a large area of high-pressure traps hot air over a stretch of hundreds of miles, similar to a lid on a pot. Air sinks with high pressure overhead, and air dries out as it sinks. Drier air heats up more quickly than moist. With little to no moisture, it helps prevent clouds from forming too, allowing the sun to keep heating up the ground. This pattern is typically persistent as the high pressure is strong.…