If you stepped outside today and immediately wondered who left Florida preheating, you’re not imagining things.

Clearwater is under an Excessive Heat Advisory today, with “feels like” temperatures expected to climb as high as 110°F. Between the heat and the humidity hitting you like a warm, wet towel, even a quick walk to the mailbox may feel like an outdoor endurance event nobody signed up for.

This isn’t just the usual Florida summer heat. Something that traveled thousands of miles across the Atlantic may be helping turn up the temperature.

Part of the reason is a large plume of Saharan dust that traveled across the Atlantic from Africa and settled over Florida and parts of the Gulf Coast.

If the sky has looked a little hazy lately, that may be what you’ve been seeing.

Saharan dust isn’t unusual in Florida during the summer, and it does come with one possible benefit: the dry, dusty air can help suppress tropical storm development.

Also, since Florida weather rarely gives us anything for free, there’s a tradeoff.

The dry, dusty air can limit our usual afternoon storms, which means fewer clouds, less rain-cooled air, and more time for the Florida sun to do what it does best: make us question why we are outside.

In other words, Florida currently has the atmospheric equivalent of a dusty blanket sitting on top of it, which feels ridiculously rude considering we were already hot enough. 🥵

The National Weather Service has the Heat Advisory in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, with actual temperatures nearing 99°F and heat index values reaching as high as 110°F.

Since Florida apparently believes one day of extreme heat isn’t enough, Saturday is expected to bring more of the same. Record-high temperatures may be possible, with heat index values once again pushing 110°F.

Things should ease slightly early next week, but “ease” is doing a lot of work in that sentence. Temperatures are still expected to hover in the mid-90s, with heat index values around 106°F to 108°F.

So yes, technically cooler. In the same way that sitting three feet from a bonfire is cooler than sitting two feet from one.

We joke about Florida heat because, frankly, sometimes humor is the only reasonable response to walking outside and immediately needing another shower.

Heat index values near 110°F can become dangerous quickly, especially for older adults, young children, outdoor workers, people with certain health conditions, and anyone without reliable access to air conditioning.

The heat index measures how hot it actually feels when humidity is combined with the air temperature. When the humidity is high, sweat doesn’t evaporate as efficiently, making it harder for your body to cool itself.

That means heat exhaustion and heat stroke can happen faster than many people realize.

Today’s weather isn’t the kind to test your toughness against. The National Weather Service recommends:

While your dog may insist that 2 p.m. is the perfect time for a full neighborhood tour. Your dog is adorable. Your dog is also not a meteorologist.

Keep walks short, stick to shaded areas when possible, and check the pavement before heading out. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.

If you know someone who is older, medically vulnerable, living alone, or without working air conditioning, today would be a good day to check in.

Make a quick phone call. Drop off a cold drink. Offer them a cool place to sit for an hour. Even a simple, “Hey, are you doing okay in this heat?” can make a difference.

It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Sometimes being a good neighbor is simply noticing when someone might need one.

In the meantime, stay hydrated, stay cool, and try not to make direct eye contact with your electric bill. 🥵

Sources: National Weather Service and Patch.

We’re happy to share some genuinely good news this morning: the central air conditioning at Hampton Apartments is working again.

If you read Monday’s newsletter, you may remember that residents at the 55+ affordable housing community on McMullen Booth Road had been without central A/C for nearly three weeks; during one of the hottest stretches of the summer.

With Clearwater now heading into another dangerously hot weekend with an Excessive Heat Adivisory, and “feels like” temperatures expected to reach as high as 110°F, this update couldn’t have come at a better time.

During the outage, residents told 10 Tampa Bay that temperatures inside some apartments were climbing close to 90 degrees. Portable A/C units were brought in while crews worked to repair the building’s cooling system, but residents were understandably ready to have their central air back.

We told you we’d keep an eye on the situation, and we’re glad this update is a good one.

After nearly three weeks of waiting, residents can finally enjoy some cool air again, and with the weather Clearwater is expecting this weekend, we’re sure they’re more than ready for it. ❄️

If you missed Monday’s story, you can read the original article here to learn more about what residents experienced during the outage.

If today’s Excessive Heat Advisory has you rethinking every outdoor plan you made this weekend, good call.

With “feels like” temperatures expected to reach as high as 110°F, this probably isn’t the weekend to prove how much Florida heat you can handle. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get out of the house without spending the afternoon melting into the sidewalk.

Here are a few ideas, and yes, most involve letting someone else’s A/C do the heavy lifting.

When it feels like an air fryer outside, a cold, dark movie theater suddenly sounds like a luxury vacation.

Many theaters offer cheaper tickets for shows earlier in the day, so a matinee can be a fairly affordable way to escape the heat for a few hours. Grab some popcorn, find a reclining seat, and enjoy not looking at your thermostat.

Even if the movie is terrible, the A/C probably won’t be.

When was the last time you visited one of Clearwater’s libraries?

They aren’t just for kids…or for checking out books you fully intend to read and then renew three times.

Clearwater libraries offer programs for adults, workshops, book clubs, technology help, and quiet places to read, work, or simply sit somewhere cool for a while.

Best of all, it’s free.

Bring a book, browse the shelves, catch up on some work, or just enjoy the air conditioning. Your yard work will still be waiting when the heat index drops below “absolutely not.”

A local coffee shop is another easy place to escape during the hottest part of the afternoon.

Order an iced coffee, tea, or whatever cold drink makes you happy. Bring a friend, bring a book, or sit by yourself and enjoy a little peace and quiet.

Sure, you’re paying for the drink, but you’re also getting caffeine, good company, and a temporary break for your home A/C, which has probably been working overtime and deserves a little appreciation.

If you want to move around without becoming one with the sidewalk, take your walk indoors.

Go to the Countryside Mall, browse a few local shops, visit an indoor attraction, or finally run those errands you’ve been putting off.

This may be one of the few weekends when grocery shopping counts as both productivity and climate-controlled entertainment.

And if you spend a little extra time standing near the freezer section, we won’t judge.

If staying indoors all weekend isn’t your thing, try to make water part of your plans: a pool or splash pad may be a better choice than spending hours in an open park.

Just remember that being in the water doesn’t mean the heat can’t affect you. Keep drinking water, use sunscreen, take breaks in the shade, and avoid the hottest part of the afternoon when you can.

Please check the pavement, pool deck, or playground equipment before children or pets touch it. Outdoor surfaces can heat up quickly.

If you’re heading somewhere cool, consider inviting someone along, especially an older neighbor, a friend who lives alone, or someone who may not have reliable air conditioning.

It doesn’t have to be anything complicated. Ask if they want to catch a movie, grab an iced coffee, visit the library, or simply sit somewhere cool for an hour.

Sometimes helping is as easy as saying:

“I’m heading somewhere with good A/C. Want to come?”

Because on a weekend like this, the best cooling center might be the empty passenger seat next to you. 🧊

Before you load up the car, take a peek at the live beach cam to see exactly how busy it is out there. Sometimes the smartest move is knowing when to go and when to enjoy our little slice of paradise another day.

Check current water temperatures and conditions Here

Watch the live Clearwater Beach Cam Here

Our pets aren't just animals - they're family. If you've seen any of the pets below please email us at [email protected] and we will connect you directly with their families. One share could bring someone's baby home.

Zena has been missing for over 121 days from the Seville Condo area near Clearwater Costco. Her heartbroken family will not give up searching

LEARN MORE →

Leah has been missing since April 28th from the King Arthur Court in Dunedin. Her Mom has owned her since she was a puppy.

LEARN MORE →

Lobo has been missing since May 11th from Gladden Park in St. Petersburg. Her Mom has owned her since she was a puppy.

LEARN MORE →

River is a one-year-old male tabby (brown, white, and gray) who slipped out the front door on May 30th, and last seen near 134th Ave and Trotter Rd in Largo.

LEARN MORE →

Mama Kitty is a 15 year old black cat with with a clipped left ear that went missing on June 4th, and last seen near Druid and Belcher in Clearwater.

LEARN MORE →

🎸 Stormbringer Friday July 10th - FREE - 7:00 pm Whiskey Wings Countryside Clearwater, FL INFO→

🧺 The Market Marie - Free Market - Saturday 10:00 am-2:00 pm - Coachman Park INFO →

🎤 😂 Clearwater Comedy Club - The Dark & Dirty Comedy Show - Friday & Saturday 8:30 pm 483 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater INFO & TICKETS→

🎸 Dance Party with TL Jentgens - OCC Roadhouse Clearwater Free Friday, 6:00pm 10575 49th Street North, Clearwater INFO →

🎸 Ramble On- Led Zeppelin Tribute Band - OCC Roadhouse Clearwater Saturday, 12:00pm 10575 49th Street North, Clearwater INFO & TICKETS→

♠️ Clearwater Duplicate Bridge Club Join a friendly, face-to-face bridge club! Bring a partner or request one to play in pairs. Saturday at 9 AM. 📍 Regions Bank Building, 2nd Floor, 2551 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater 📅 Monday–Saturday, 12:30–4:00 PM 💵 Entry fees per player; $20 annual membership 📞 727-726-0796 INFO →

🌳📅 Save The Landings: Speak Up. Show Up. - Tuesday, July 21st at 5:30pm - 7:00 pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church 2001 Rainbow Drive, Clearwater FL MAP →

Join this neighborhood-sponsored community event to learn more about the future of The Landings and make your voice heard.

Representatives from Porter Development will be there to listen to community concerns and provide an update on possible next steps. Attendees who wish to speak will have approximately two to three minutes to share their thoughts.

Questions expected to be discussed include: Will residents get a vote? What happens next? And how can the Clearwater community stay involved?

This event is open to everyone and is intended to help educate Clearwater residents about the issue.

📍 Trinity Presbyterian Church
⏱️ Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
🌎 Open to the public

Speak up. Show up. Let the people decide. INFO →

Hosted by Keep Keene Green.

READ MORE →

🚶Indoor Walking at the Countryside Mall: Beat the heat with some indoor walking, grab a bite to eat, browse the shops, or catch a movie…all while letting the mall’s A/C do the heavy lifting. MAP →

If you must be out in nature, please don’t forget to bring water

🌳🥾 Beat the Heat: Peaceful Nature Parks Looking to escape the crowds and cool off in the shade this weekend? Tampa Bay is loaded with hidden natural gems, all free to explore:

🦅 Moccasin Lake Nature Park (Clearwater) — A peaceful 51-acre preserve with shaded oak trails, boardwalks over the lake, and a wildlife rehabilitation sanctuary where you can see rescued eagles, hawks, and falcons.

⛵ Clearwater Community Sailing Center A nonprofit sailing center at 1001 Gulf Blvd offering boat rentals, sailing lessons for all ages, and Summer Camp. Open Tuesday through Sunday 9am to 5pm. LEARN MORE →

🏓 Pickleball Court Locations: Here is the easiest way to find Pickleball courts near you with an interactive map. LEARN MORE →

🏖️ Near the Beach

🏙️ Inland

⚠️ Trivia nights and schedules can change. We recommend confirming directly with the venue before heading out. Know of a change or a new spot? Tell Scout →

Thanks for reading My Clearwater Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone that you think would be interested.

Until next time,

Stan, Scoop and Scout