Heat Index to Hit 110°F Across Southwest and West Central Florida
Southwest and west central Florida face a second consecutive day of extreme heat, with conditions dangerous enough to cause heat illness for those caught outside during peak afternoon hours.
TAMPA, FLORIDA — The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory for parts of southwest and west central Florida on Friday, warning that heat index values could reach up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. EDT on June 19, 2026.
The advisory, issued by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin at 3:26 a.m. EDT, affects residents across the region and follows an identical advisory from Thursday, June 18, under the same conditions and timeframe.
Back-to-Back Days of Dangerous Heat
Thursday’s advisory, issued by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin at 3:07 a.m. EDT, also warned of heat index values up to 110 degrees from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT. The consecutive advisories indicate a prolonged period of hazardous heat across the affected areas of southwest and west central Florida.
The National Weather Service warns that the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity can cause heat-related illnesses. Residents are urged to limit time outdoors during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
Flood Advisories Struck Polk and Lee Counties Earlier This Month
The dangerous heat follows a stretch of severe rainfall earlier in June. On June 10, NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin issued two separate Flood Advisories for different parts of the state.
At 4:12 p.m. EDT, a Flood Advisory was issued for Lee County in southwest Florida, valid until 6:15 p.m. EDT. Doppler radar showed heavy rain from thunderstorms, with between 2.5 and 3.5 inches of rain already fallen and an additional 1 to 2 inches expected. Locations affected included Fort Myers, Southwest Florida Airport, Villas, Pine Manor, Cypress Lake, McGregor, Gateway, Page Park, Page Field Airport, Fort Myers Villas, and Whiskey Creek.
A second Flood Advisory for Polk County in central Florida followed at 6:09 p.m. EDT, remaining in effect until 7:30 p.m. EDT. Radar again confirmed heavy rainfall from thunderstorms, with 2.5 to 3.5 inches recorded and another 1 to 2 inches forecast. Communities in the advisory area included Winter Haven, Haines City, Auburndale, Jan Phyl Village, Lake Alfred, Dundee, Eagle Lake, Lake Hamilton, Cypress Gardens, Winter Haven Airport, Inwood, and Wahneta.
Both advisories warned of minor flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas, with water reported over roadways in the affected communities.
Heat Safety Resources
The National Weather Service recommends that residents in the affected areas of southwest and west central Florida take precautions during the advisory period. Those working or spending time outdoors should schedule strenuous activity for early morning or evening hours, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, and seek air-conditioned spaces when possible.
Additional flood safety information is available through the National Weather Service at weather.gov/safety/flood. Residents can monitor the latest alerts and updates directly through the NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin office.
