Extreme Heat: About

Definitions & Terms

Excessive Heat Outlook

is 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, such as public utility staff, emergency managers and public health officials. This product is issued by the Climate Prediction Center and can be found here


Excessive Heat Watch

is 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. A Watch provides enough lead time so that those who need to prepare can do so, such as cities officials who have excessive heat event mitigation plans. The National Weather Service office in Tallahassee will issue this product if the heat index might reach or exceed 113°F. 


Heat Advisory

is issued when an excessive heat event is expected in the next 24 hours. This products are issued when an excessive heat event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. An advisory is for less serious conditions that cause significant discomfort or inconvenience and, if caution is not taken, could lead to a threat to life. The National Weather Service office in Tallahassee will issue this product if the heat index might reach 108-112°F. 


Excessive Heat Warning

is issued when an excessive heat event is expected in the next 24 hours. A warning is issued when an excessive heat event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. The warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life. The National Weather Service office in Tallahassee will issue this product if the heat index is expected to reach or exceed 113°F. 

History

What is the record high temperature for Tallahassee?

The all-time record high in Tallahassee was set on June 15, 2011 at 105°F.


What are the highest heat index values observed in Tallahassee? 

During the summer of 2010, there were several days when Tallahassee observed heat index values of 115 to 118°F.  


When was the last Excessive Heat Warning issued for Tallahassee? 

Friday, August 22, 2014 for anticipated temperatures of 100-103°F and heat indices of 110-114°F.   Prior to that, August 1, 2010.