VERO BEACH — Some much-needed, record-breaking showers continue to bring temporary relief to Indian River County as the humid, summertime heat bakes portions of the state and nation.
Scattered storms dropped 1.4 inches of rainfall Monday across Vero Beach, breaking the previous daily record of 1.05 inches set in 1995, meteorologists said. The sporadic, seasonal showers will continue throughout the rest of the week, even as the heat index pushes past 100 degrees.
Another weather record was set two weeks ago in Vero Beach.
The temperature climbed to 96 degrees July 7 in the city, breaking the previous daily heat record of 95 degrees last set on the same day in 2009, 2000 and 1963, forecasters said. Two days later, the summer heat reached 96 degrees again, tying the daily record high last set in 1981.
Tuesday through Friday was expected to have a 40-to-50 percent chance of showers, according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne. The days will have temperatures near the high 80s, which will dip to the high 70s in the evenings.
Heat index values – what the temperature feels like to the human body when humidity is combined with air temperature – will reach as high as 102 degrees Wednesday, meteorologists said.
Here are some tips from forecasters on how to stay safe during the extreme humidity.
- Take frequent water breaks
- Never leave pets or children in an unattended vehicle
- Wear a hat if you’re in the sun and wear sunscreen
- Stay inside in the air conditioning