INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Residents should stay hydrated as hot temperatures – with heat index values over 100 degrees – are expected to scorch the area Wednesday and the Independence Day holiday on Thursday, weather forecasters said.
Wednesday afternoon will be mostly sunny with a high temperature near 92 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne. The heat index value for Wednesday will be as high as 104 degrees, forecasters said.
The evening will have a low temperature near 77 degrees.
Independence Day on Thursday will be mostly sunny with a high temperature near 91 degrees, weather forecasters said. The heat index value for Thursday will be as high as 101 degrees, meteorologists said.
Thursday night will have a low temperature near 75 degrees. Southeast winds for both days will be between 5 to 15 mph, with wind gusts as high as 20 mph, forecasters said.
The heat index, which combines temperature and humidity, is how hot it will feel outside to residents. The hottest parts of each day will be between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., according to Meteorologist Jessie Smith.
To stay cool in the heat, residents should take frequent breaks indoors with air conditioning, Smith said. If outside, residents should try to stay in the shade.
Residents should limit outdoor activity and drink water, Smith said.
