Heat Advisory Issued for the Gulf Coast Thursday

Thursday is a Gulf Coast Weather Impact Day for dangerous heat, as our afternoon heat index values will peak near 110 degrees for much of the Gulf Coast. Your Gulf Coast Weather Most Accurate Forecast calls for a warm and muggy start, followed by a hot and mainly dry afternoon. Temperatures at sunrise this morning will struggle to fall below 80 degrees in most spots, climbing quickly once the sun rises. Highs will reach the middle and lower 90s by the afternoon. High humidity will push heat index values well into the triple digits. As such, the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the area from 12 p.m. this afternoon to 7 p.m. this evening. With the high heat later today, strenuous outdoor activities are not recommended. If you have to be outdoors this afternoon, take breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned building whenever possible. Make sure you are staying hydrated as well. Unfortunately, there will not be much rain to help cool things down today either. A few downpours will develop close to the coast around lunchtime, giving way to deep inland storms during the afternoon and evening. Rain chances will pick up a bit for Friday and the weekend, though storms will continue to favor inland areas. Highs will hold in the 90s, with heat index values continuing to peak at and over 105 degrees through the weekend.Tropics: Tropical Storm Arthur has downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone after it formed in the Gulf. It is expected to still bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and the potential for life-threatening flooding for the northern Gulf Coast states.What is a Gulf Coast Weather ‘Impact Day’?Southwest Florida residents will see visual warnings on their daily Gulf Coast weather forecasts on air and online, designed to signal if weather may disrupt their daily life or pose a serious threat.The Gulf Coast Weather team introduced two new categories, impact days and alert days, using yellow and red symbols to flag the potential for inconvenience or danger.These icons are designed to provide an at-a-glance understanding of how the day's forecast may impact commutes, outdoor plans or personal safety. The alerts will appear on TV forecasts and digital platforms to help you make informed decisions throughout the day.Impact Day: Yellow symbol flags likely disruptionsA yellow triangle with an exclamation mark will now appear on forecasts for days when the weather is expected to interrupt normal routines. These are not extreme conditions but can still cause problems, especially during peak travel times, holidays, or for outdoor work and activities.For example, dense morning fog or afternoon storms might slow down traffic, create slick roads and disrupt plans. The symbol is also used for days with moderate cold or heat that may limit time spent outside.Examples of Gulf Coast Weather Impact Day weather:Rain or storms that may limit outdoor activity, travel or holiday plansStrong storms during a morning or evening commuteDense fog reduces visibility across major roadsModerate cold or summer heat that limits outdoor activityBurn bans caused by dry weather and strong wind gustsAlert Day: Red symbol warns of severe or dangerous weatherWhen more serious threats are expected, a red circle icon will appear on forecasts, warning viewers that the weather could become life-threatening. These are days when preparation is essential, and residents should monitor forecasts closely for updates.The red alert may be issued for an entire day or just for high-risk time periods, such as a thunderstorm threat in the late afternoon.Examples of Gulf Coast Weather Alert Day weather:Tornado threats or severe thunderstorms with damaging winds or hailFlash flooding or widespread flooding from heavy rainHurricanes or tropical storms threatening the regionExtreme heat or cold creates health and safety risksThese icons are designed to provide you with clear and timely information about potential weather risks. The weather team encourages everyone to use the symbols as a cue to check the forecast more closely and plan accordingly.However you watch or scroll, we’re committed to delivering your Gulf Coast Weather Most Accurate Forecast, one you can rely on every day, wherever you are.Live Interactive Radar: Track conditions in real time with the Gulf Coast Live Radar.Watch Gulf Coast Weather: Find the latest weather forecast videos, streaming live or on demand, on TV and online.Stream on the Go: Download the free Gulf Coast News app to watch on your phone or tablet.Your Gulf Coast Weather TeamChief Meteorologist Allyson RaeMeteorologist Caroline CastoraMeteorologist Jim DickeyMeteorologist Lauren HopeMeteorologist Raphael TavernierMeteorologist Rob DunsMeteorologist Sara BlueFollow on Social: Follow, like and subscribe to Gulf Coast News on social media to share your tips and be part of the conversation with Southwest Florida’s most experienced, trusted weather team: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Threads | Bluesky | Nextdoor | XDOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest breaking news and weather alerts. 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