Updated

A prolonged and intensifying heat wave gripped Florida's Tampa Bay area and the Southeast, including Tennessee, through much of August, with actual temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90s and heat index (feels-like) values repeatedly hitting 105-111°F. The National Weather Service issued a series of Heat Advisories in Tampa Bay (peaking at 109-111°F) and in the Knoxville/Morristown area, while forecasters warned of a growing 'heat dome' bringing near-record heat to Florida and the Southeast lasting into the following week. Officials repeatedly urged residents to practice heat safety and stay hydrated as the dangerous conditions persisted with only scattered afternoon storms offering brief relief. The heat wave spanned multiple days from around August 11 through the August 15-16 weekend, with forecasters noting scattered thunderstorms may return early the following week.