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Extreme Heat

There is heat, and then there is extreme heat! Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat, your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to illness or even death. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.

In Miami-Dade County, extreme heat is on the rise due to climate change and urban development patterns. However, with public education, policies and partnerships, heat related illnesses and deaths can be prevented.

Explore the 2023 Extreme Heat Update for insights on what we experienced, how we responded, and what we're looking forward to in 2024.

A male and female.

As temperatures rise, so do the risks of heat-related illnesses and injuries, posing significant threats to worker safety and productivity.

Heat Safety for Workers
Two young girls drinking from water fountain

When it’s hot, the number of people in Miami-Dade County with serious health problems like heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heart attacks rises. Learn who is at risk.

Heat Safety Tips
bicyclist riding bicycle on the side of the road

Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Learn the symptoms and what to do if you or a loved one shows signs of having a heat-related illness. Follow the CDC guidelines.

Heat-Related Illnesses
a mechanical fan unit, shiny and chrome on a white background

Since 1970, Miami-Dade County has had an average increase of days above 90°F from 84 to now 133 days per year, which will continue to rise. Here are some no & low-cost energy-saving tips you can do all year round to keep your home cool.

Ways to Cool your Home

Miami-Dade Heat Actions

Chief heat officer photo

Miami-Dade County is taking bold action against extreme heat. The Extreme Heat Action Plan provides a community-wide roadmap to reduce the health and economic impacts of rapidly rising temperatures.

Extreme Heat Action Plan
Chief heat officer photo

The Chief Heat Officer is responsible for improving coordination and accelerating existing heat protection efforts and initiating new work that reduces the risks and impacts of heat stress and extreme heat.

Chief Heat Officer
volunteers distributing bags of ice

The goal of the toolkit is to provide a high-level briefing of various policy and project options identified by our community to adapt to and mitigate extreme heat.

Extreme Heat Toolkit
Extreme Heat season campaign written on flyer with thermometer

Miami-Dade County in collaboration with The Miami Foundation has created a multilingual communications campaign to help inform the public about the health risks of extreme heat.

Heat Season Campaign