HOLT, Fla., June 27, 2023— A long duration heat wave begins today and will persist for a while.

As a result, Okaloosa County is under a heat advisory today from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Very hot and humid conditions are expected today with heat index values maxing out between 104 and 112 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Areas to the west in coastal Santa Rosa and southern Escambia counties are under an excessive heat warning where the heat index can reach up to 115 degrees.

According to the NWS, excessive heat warnings and heat advisories will likely need to be expanded throughout the week as even hotter temperatures are expected.

There is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. and a 10 percent chance on Wednesday.

Thursday will be sunny and hot with a high of 100 degrees with no chance of precipitation, just perspiration. 

Heat indices will become highly dangerous as they climb to 110-115 degrees and possibly 115-120 closer to the coast, according to the NWS.

Prolonged exposure can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses such as cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

To reduce the risk during outdoor activity, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.

Staff and National Weather Service forecast