Miami, Florida, recorded a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday, tying the city’s all‑time high. The reading came as a massive heat dome stalled over the southern United States, sending scorching temperatures from Texas through the Southeast.
Why Miami’s record feels modest
Unlike the dry interior of the country, Miami’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and its high humidity make it harder for the sun’s energy to raise temperatures to extreme levels. Moist air absorbs much of the solar heat for evaporation, which limits the rise in dry‑air temperature. This is why desert locations in the Southwest often see higher readings than humid coastal cities.
Heat compared to other states
While Miami hit 100 degrees, parts of Oklahoma surged even higher. Kingfisher, Oklahoma, reached 112 degrees, a record for that date. The all‑time high for Florida is 109 degrees, while Oklahoma’s state record stands at 120 degrees and Minnesota’s at 115 degrees.
Rising heat trends in the Southeast
Climate‑center data shows Miami now experiences 44 more days above normal summer temperatures than it did in the 1970s. From June through August, average temperatures have risen by about 2.6 degrees Fahrenheit. More striking is the increase in days with dangerously humid heat: the city recorded roughly 50 such days in the 1970s, compared with 117 days between 2016 and 2025.
Researchers attribute roughly 80 of the recent dangerous heat days to human‑caused climate change from burning fossil fuels. On Tuesday, the heat index – the temperature felt by the human body when humidity is factored in – climbed to 107 degrees, a level that can quickly lead to heat‑related illness.
What this means for residents
Health officials warn that the combination of high temperature and humidity raises the risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other heat‑related conditions, especially for the elderly, young children, and those with pre‑existing health issues. Residents are urged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak heat hours, and seek cooler indoor environments when possible.
Forecast and advisories
Forecasters expect another unusually warm day on Wednesday, with heat advisories covering most of the Florida Peninsula except the Florida Keys. Miami’s high is projected to be in the mid‑to‑upper 90s.
For up‑to‑date information, readers can check the CNN Weather app or local weather services.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
