A heat wave is driving temperatures up and near-record-high temperatures may hit Florida over the weekend.
If you haven’t checked your air conditioner to make sure it’s functioning well, you’ll know for sure soon. And check your ceiling fan, too. The direction it’s turning can make a difference.
Heat is a killer. According to NOAA, heat has claimed an average of 183 lives between 1994 and 2023 in the U.S. each year. In 2023, there were 555 heat-related fatalities in the U.S. Two were in Florida.
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So as temperatures climb, how are you supposed to stay cool?
How hot is Florida expected to get over May 17-18 weekend?
High temperatures across Florida May 17, 2025, show temps ranging from the mid 80s to the upper 90s.
“Temperatures will get hotter and hotter through the weekend and beyond,” the National Weather Service Tallahassee warned on X.
Expect “near record highs Friday through the weekend, with highs in the mid 90s inland,” the National Weather Service Jacksonville said, with the hottest temperatures expected between 2 and 6 p.m.
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“Near record temperatures are forecast for Friday into the weekend, mainly over the interior and near the coast north of Melbourne, the National Weather Service Melbourne said. “Heat index values in the 90s Thursday and Friday and in the mid 90s to low 100s over the weekend and into next week.”
High temperatures in South Florida are forecast to approach the low to mid 90s over the weekend and into next week, according to the National Weather Service Miami.
Expect temperatures to run above normal through next week, with highs in the low to mid 90s in Southwest Florida, the National Weather Service Tampa Bay said.
In the western Panhandle low temperatures Wednesday night were already 5 to 10 degrees above normal, according to the National Weather Service Mobile.
➤ NOAA heat risk map
What states had the most heat-related fatalities in 2023?
The National Weather Service reported there were 555 heat-related fatalities in 2023. States with reported heat deaths, compared to Florida’s two, were:
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Florida, California, Mississippi: 2 each
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Illinois, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Dakota: 1 each
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What’s the best temperature to set your thermostat?
Now this is a controversial topic.
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There isn’t a magic thermostat temperature that everyone should use. It’s a decision you make based on:
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What feels comfortable to you and the other people in your household
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How well your home is insulated and otherwise protected against heat
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What other cooling methods you use (floor fans, ceiling fans, closed curtains/shades, etc.)
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How much you’re willing to pay on your electric bill
Florida Power & Light recommends setting your ac at 78, with the thermostat fan on auto.
What is the best temperature to set your A/C to? Vote in poll
Can’t see the poll? Follow the link to vote.
Which direction should my ceiling fan turn to keep me cooler?
In the summer, run ceiling fans counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
“With this setting, you should feel a cool breeze while standing directly under the ceiling fan. The airflow produced creates a wind-chill effect, making you ‘feel’ cooler, the Kissimmee Utility Authority said.
Can’t tell which way it’s turning? Stand right under the fan and look up.
How do I change the direction my ceiling fan is turning?
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Stand under the fan to see which way the fan currently is turning.
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If it’s running counterclockwise, you’re good for the summer.
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Once the blades have stopped turning, find the switch that reverses the direction of the blades’ rotation. This is usually on the fan’s housing assembly. There may be a pull cord instead.
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Some fans have remote controls with a button to reverse the rotation.
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After you’ve reversed the direction, turn the fan back on.
Will inside fans help keep my house cooler?
Inside fans can help but only if indoor temperatures are less than 90 degrees, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
“In temperatures above 90 degrees, a fan can increase body temperature.”
How to protect yourself from extreme heat
The most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses are children, babies and older adults, especially those with pre-existing conditions, according to the National Weather Service. Here’s how to protect yourself and family from heat:
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Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and drinks high in sugar and sodium.
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Apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every two hours.
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Minimize direct exposure to the sun.
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Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing.
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Take regular breaks in the shade or air-conditioned areas.
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Take a cool bath or shower.
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Don’t turn a fan toward you if the room temperature is warmer than 90 degrees. The dry blowing air will dehydrate you faster.
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Try to avoid strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day.
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Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads.
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Check on others and never leave someone or a pet in a parked car.
Signs your body is overheated
The symptoms for heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke and how to prevent it.
If your body gets too hot, you can get sick. Know the symptoms of your body overheating and know when to seek medical care, the CDC said.
Symptoms can include:
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Contributor: C.A. Bridges, USA Today Network-Florida
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Florida heat wave: Ceiling fan direction, do other fans work?
