Heat advisory vs. excessive heat warning: Definition, county thresholds, things to do inside

What is a heat advisory?

A heat advisory means people sensitive to warm temperatures should take precautions to avoid heat illness, including staying hydrated and seeking breaks if working or playing outside. Signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke include symptoms such as muscle cramps, excessive sweating, a throbbing headache, passing out, confusion and seizures.

An excessive heat warning, the highest alert level on a four-tier scale, means everyone needs to take precautions to stay safe in the heat because "you may become seriously ill or even die," the National Weather Service says.

The heat advisory thresholds have changed in South Florida

The NWS announced last month that Broward County would join Miami-Dade County in an experimental program that starts advisories at a lower threshold level. In those two counties, an advisory is issued if heat index temperatures of 105 or higher are expected for at least two hours. An excessive heat warning is issued if the heat index is expected to reach 110 or higher for at least two hours.

In Palm Beach County, a heat advisory is issued when heat index temperatures are forecast to reach 108 degrees or higher for at least two hours.

What's the difference between a heat advisory and an excessive heat warning?

The National Weather Service distinguishes the differences between each heat-related warning below.

• Excessive Heat Warning—Take Action! The general rule of thumb is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105° or higher for at least 2 days and night time air temperatures will not drop below 75°. If you don't take precautions immediately when conditions are extreme, you may become seriously ill or even die.
• Excessive Heat Watches—Be Prepared! Heat watches are issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours. A Watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain.
• Heat Advisory—Take Action! The general rule of thumb for this Advisory is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 100° or higher for at least 2 days, and night time air temperatures will not drop below 75°. Take precautions to avoid heat illness. If you don't take precautions, you may become seriously ill or even die.
• Excessive Heat Outlooks—Be Aware! The outlooks are issued when the potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next 3-7 days. An Outlook provides information to those who need considerable lead-time to prepare for the event.

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