Miami Swelters: City Ties 100°F Record

Miami officially tied its all-time temperature record on Tuesday, reaching 100°F. This triple-digit reading matches the previous record set on July 21, 1942, making it only the second time in over 130 years of observations that the city has hit the century mark.

The record-tying temperature occurred as a significant heat dome intensified over Florida and much of the southeastern United States. This weather pattern, characterized by an area of high pressure trapping hot air, limited cloud formation and rainfall, leading to well-above-average temperatures.

Normally, Miami's coastal location and frequent thunderstorms prevent such extreme heat. However, on this occasion, drier air mixed with offshore winds, suppressing the usual cooling sea breezes. This allowed thermometers to climb unchecked throughout the afternoon, reaching a high of 91°F above the average for mid-August.

Across South Florida, heat advisories indicated dangerous conditions, with heat indices potentially reaching between 105°F and 112°F. Residents were advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, and wear light-colored clothing. This event occurs during a summer marked by various weather extremes nationwide, including flooding and severe storms in other regions.

While El Niño conditions have been noted for persisting unusually long and can influence U.S. weather patterns, forecasters attributed Miami's record heat directly to the heat dome and immediate atmospheric conditions. Relief is expected later in the week as rain and thunderstorms are forecast to return to South Florida.