MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - South Florida is sizzling—and it’s not even summer yet.
Meteorologists said the hot and humid weather is just a glimpse at what’s to come in just a few weeks.
The region has been feeling the heat since last Wednesday, when the first 90-degree reading was recorded.
The trend continued Saturday, with 91 degrees in Miami, three degrees shy of the 2024 record of 94. Fort Lauderdale reported 89 degrees, and Key West reported 86.
Temperatures came down to the mid-80s late Saturday afternoon, but the heat index made it feel even hotter, especially in Hialeah, where the “feels like” temperature hit 98 degrees, and West Kendall, where it hit 99 degrees.
All day long, beachgoers off Ocean Drive took advantage of the clear skies to hit the sand. They immediately felt the sweltering temperatures.
“It’s burning. It’s burning hot out here,” said beachgoer Fareen Pourmoussaviaen. “I’d say it’s probably like 90 degrees out here.”
While millions across parts of the nation deal with severe weather threats, thanks to a dome of high pressure parked in place, that same system is keeping things scorching hot here in South Florida.
Monday morning, on South Beach, Amy Cooper, a visitor from the United Kingdom, got an early start to try and beat the heat.
“I think the morning’s definitely the best time to go out,” she said. “Yeah, you want to go out midday, but if you can bear it.”
Joe Findaro was also out early Monday morning with his pets, Agatha and Martha, ahead of the afternoon warmth.
“You stay cool by going out before sunrise,” he said. “You swim every everyday in the temperature-controlled pool at the Flamingo Park, and you take your dogs for a walk when the sun’s not out.”
On South Beach, the sun was beaming all day long.
“Make sure you put on your sunscreen because, you know, like me, I burn really easily. I’m a little bit sunburnt already,” said Pourmoussaviaen.
“It’s very hot; my mom got heavily sunburned,” said Ben Kazkakob, another beachgoer. “You should wear sunscreen.”
Like Pourmoussaviaen, many beachgoers tried to stay cool by taking a splash.
“I’m going to jump in, in a couple of minutes, right now,” he said.
The temperatures are expected to reach the 90s all weekend long.
Medical experts say extreme heat can be dangerous, which is why it’s important to stay hydrated.
“Absolutely. I love staying hydrated,” said a beachgoer as she took a sip while sitting under an umbrella.
“There are definitely a lot of places that you can get a frozen drink,” said Amy. “Definitely keep hydrated, but I think the fruity drinks are best.”
Experts advise those who are out in the sun, especially on the beach, to ensure they are under some shade.
“I had to set this up. I’m literally going to get a sunburn,” said another beachgoer who’s sitting under an umbrella. “I don’t know; something’s going to happen.”
“Nice and cool, putting on sunblock, and going in and out of the water and staying under the shade—great,” said a friend sitting next to him.
North of the county line, beachgoers packed Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Laura said that even though she’s melting in the sun, she is prepared.
“Actually, we always wear light-colored clothing and try to stay out of the sun, and when we’re out in the sun, we wear a heavy sunblock,” she said.
If cooling off in the Atlantic is not how you prefer to stay cool, it’s best to just stay indoors.
“Go watch a movie at the Regal Theaters for three hours,” said Joe. “Eat popcorn and have ice water if they’re not used to being outdoors.”
Meteorologists said the high temperatures are expected to increase later in the week, with triple-digit indexes expected by Wednesday and Thursday.
Miami-Dade has an interactive tool where residents can find cooling sites near them. To find your nearest site, click here.
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