South Florida Swelters: Heat Advisory Issued Amidst Smoke Alert

South Florida is currently experiencing a severe heat wave, prompting a heat advisory with dangerously high heat indices forecasted to reach 112 degrees or more. This extreme heat poses a major to extreme risk of heat-related illnesses for residents. Adding to the environmental concerns, an air quality alert has been issued for Miami-Dade County.

The air quality issues are attributed to smoke from a wildfire burning in western Miami-Dade. While high temperatures are expected to soar into the low to mid-90s today, scattered showers and storms are predicted to arrive later, potentially offering some respite. These storms may bring gusty winds, lightning, and heavy downpours.

Looking ahead, Friday is expected to be warm and mostly quiet in the morning, with another round of rain anticipated in the afternoon and evening. High temperatures will remain in the low 90s, with feels-like temperatures continuing to be in the 100s. The weekend forecast indicates a slight decrease in heat, as a breeze shifts from the southeast, bringing more showers and storms, with highs returning to more seasonable low 90s on Saturday and Sunday.