Heat advisories blanket Florida again as tropics stay quiet for now
Heat advisories blanket Florida again as tropics stay quiet for now
Kim Luciani and Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK - FloridaSun, August 16, 2026 at 12:40 PM UTC
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Dangerous heat continues to scorch Florida, with the entire state under heat advisories again today, Sunday, Aug. 16, with heat indices topping out at 105-112 degrees. In the tropics, two disturbances have dissipated, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Although no tropical cyclone formation is expected in the Atlantic basin over the next seven days, the NHC is tracking three tropical waves, which can act as seedlings for tropical storms.
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While this season is expected to see below-normal activity due to a strong El Niño and there's no tropical threat to Florida at this time, conditions can change rapidly. Forecasters encourage residents to stay prepared.
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Here's what you should know based on the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center as of 8 a.m., Aug. 16.
NHC tracking 3 tropical waves in Atlantic basin
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring three tropical waves Sunday, Aug. 16.
A tropical wave is west of the Cape Verde Islands extending from 07N to 19N with axis near 31W, moving west at 15 kt. Scattered moderate convection is from 09N to 15N between 25W and 37W.
A tropical wave is over the central waters, extending from 04N to 20N with axis near 47W, moving west at 15-20 kt. Scattered moderate convection is from 09N to 14N between 46W and 52W.
A tropical wave is over the central Caribbean with axis near 69W south of 20N, moving westward at 15-20 kt. Numerous moderate tothe approaches to the Windward Passagestrong convection is from 12N to 19N between 66W and 73W.
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What is a tropical wave?
"Tropical waves are clusters of showers and thunderstorms that act as the seedlings for many tropical storms throughout the Atlantic season," said Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather lead hurricane expert, via email.
“There are about 60 tropical waves that move across the Atlantic each year, and roughly 10 percent to 15 percent of them develop into a tropical system. That’s about one in seven.
"Tropical waves are important because they contribute to about 80 percent of all major hurricanes."
When is hurricane season in Florida?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.
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Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said.
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The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Trump. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are now using Gulf of America on its maps and in its advisories.
What do the colored, hatched areas on the NHC map mean?
The hatched areas on the National Hurricane Center's tropical outlook map indicate "areas where a tropical cyclone — which could be a tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane — could develop," said National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Jamie Rhome.
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The colors make it visibly clear how likely a system could develop, with orange medium and red high. In 2026, the tropical outlook will use a gray X to indicate disturbances with a low chance for development.
The National Hurricane Center generally doesn't issue tropical advisories until there is a named storm, but there is an exception.
"If a system is near land and there is potential for development, the National Hurricane Center won't wait before it issues advisories, even if the system hasn't become an actual storm. This gives residents time to prepare," Rhome said.
Florida weather radar for Aug. 16, 2026
Florida weather watches and warnings2026 hurricane names
Here are the names for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season and how to pronounce them:
Arthur: Tropical Storm Arthur formed June 17, 2026
Bertha: Tropical Storm Bertha formed July 20, 2026
Cristobal: Tropical Storm Cristobal formed Aug. 12, 2026
Dolly, DAH-lee
Edouard, eh-DWARD
Fay, fay
Gonzalo, gohn-SAH-loh
Hanna, HAN-uh
Isaias, ees-ah-EE-ahs
Josephine, JOH-seh-feen
Kyle, KY-ull
Leah, LEE-ah
Marco, MAR-koe
Nana, NA-na
Omar, OH-mar
Paulette, pawl-LET
Rene, re-NAY
Sally, SAL-ee
Teddy, TEHD-ee
Vicky, VIH-kee
Wilfred, WILL-fred
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We will continue to update our tropical weather coverage to bring you the most current information you need to protect your home and family.
Kim Luciani is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's Audience team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://tcpalm.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Heat advisories blanket Florida again as tropics stay quiet for now
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