Beach-safety & severe weather: Heat wave, flags YELLOW, Vibrio warning, multiple shark attacks, rip current warning
Key Questions
What is the heat index expected to reach during the current heat wave?
The heat index is forecast to reach up to 110°F through the weekend, with triple-digit temperatures returning by Thursday. Scattered storms are possible Monday evening, but rain chances remain limited due to Saharan dust.
What beach flags are currently in effect at Panama City Beach?
Yellow flags are flying at PCB indicating moderate hazard conditions. A new lifeguard zone guide has also been published for the area.
Is there a Vibrio advisory active along the coast?
Yes, the Vibrio advisory continues in the region. Residents are urged to stay hydrated and limit sun exposure during the heat wave.
What details are available on the recent shark attacks?
A new shark attack occurred June 8 in St. Andrews Bay with the victim in ICU and a GoFundMe launched. Survivor Lulu Gribbin from the March 18 NSA Panama City attack is sharing her story as Lou's Law heads to the White House.
Are there rip current warnings in place?
A national rip current warning has been issued. Snorkelers were recently rescued from a rip current in Destin's East Pass on July 4.
What water quality issues are reported in Fort Walton Beach?
A water quality advisory is active at Liza Jackson Park due to enterococcus bacteria. Red and purple flags for high hazard conditions and jellyfish are now flying at Fort Walton Beach.
How will the weekend weather affect beach conditions?
Mainly dry and hot conditions are expected with heat indices in the triple digits. Marginal flood risk exists tonight from scattered storms.
What is the latest on tropical development near Florida?
Tropical development along the Florida coast could bring storms, with monitoring ongoing for potential impacts mid-July.
Heat wave continues with heat index up to 110°F through weekend; Saharan dust reducing rain chances. Monday evening forecast: scattered storms, heat index easing to 90s but triple digits return by Thursday. Marginal flood risk tonight. PCB flags YELLOW; Vibrio advisory continues. New shark attack in St. Andrews Bay (June 8) victim in ICU; GoFundMe launched. Ongoing NSA Panama City shark attack (March 18) survivor Lulu Gribbin shares story; Lou's Law heading to White House. New lifeguard zone guide published for PCB. National rip current warning issued. Snorkelers rescued from rip current in Destin's East Pass on July 4. Water quality advisory for Liza Jackson Park in Fort Walton Beach (enterococcus bacteria). Red and purple flags (high hazard, jellyfish) now flying at Fort Walton Beach. Residents urged to stay hydrated and limit sun exposure.