Gainesville is expected to break a sweat — and a record — with 100-degree temperatures starting Sunday.
National Weather Service meteorologist Nate McGinnis said the temperature will most likely reach 100 degrees four times by Wednesday.
The average maximum May temperature for Gainesville is 86.9 degrees.
“When it’s 13 degrees above the average temperature, it’s a pretty big deal,” McGinnis said.
While high temperatures are not uncommon in June and July, McGinnis said Gainesville has not had a high of 100 degrees since June 16, 2015.
“Gainesville has hit 100 degrees in the month of May five times in the past 129 years,” he said.
Roger Dolz, senior public health services manager from the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County, said high temperatures can cause heat-related injuries. One of the most common is heat exhaustion, and, if left untreated, the illness can turn into heat stroke. People should look out for symptoms such as headache, fatigue, lightheadedness and vomiting, Dolz said.
Dolz recommended people wear loose clothing to beat the heat. He also said to avoid drinking alcohol or eating heavy meals, which can increase body temperature while outside, and drink water constantly.
“If folks don’t take precautions, the facility could see some heat-related injuries,” Dolz said. “Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water.”
Abigail Raffalski, a 20-year-old UF biochemistry junior, said she’s spending Memorial Day on her friend's boat about an hour south of Gainesville in Crystal River, Florida, and refuses to let the heat change her plans.
“As soon as I saw the weather would be 100 degrees on my phone, I screenshotted it and sent it to my roommate and said, ‘This is ridiculous,’” Raffalski said. “Welcome to Florida.”
