Tallahassee, Fla. – Beachgoers across Florida’s Panhandle are facing a dangerous mix of extreme heat and hazardous surf conditions heading into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee, a high risk of rip currents remains in effect through Friday night for Walton, Bay, Gulf, and Franklin County beaches, where surf heights of 2 to 3 feet are expected. These rip currents can quickly sweep swimmers out to deeper water, prompting officials to urge visitors to stay out of the water where red flags are flying.
At the same time, heat index values are climbing sharply, with “feels-like” temperatures forecast to reach 110°F or higher by early next week. Areas like Tallahassee, Panama City, and Apalachicola could see triple-digit heat indices starting this weekend, as rain chances continue to decline across the region.
If you’re heading outside or to the beach, stay hydrated, limit sun exposure, and monitor local beach warning flags. Emergency officials recommend avoiding strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day and never leaving children or pets in vehicles.
Heat and surf advisories may be extended into Sunday. Stay tuned for further updates.
