Currently in Portland — August 9, 2023: Easing into late summer

The weather, currently.

Wednesday is going to look a lot like Tuesday; we’ll be getting partly cloudy skies and another chance of afternoon showers. It isn’t a big chance, but I’ll be crossing my fingers. Even so, the high temp will still reach about 81 degrees. The nights are staying warm, too, and Wednesday night will only cool to about 62 degrees. Fall might be getting closer but some of our hottest summer temps are yet to come.

— Stella Harris

What you need to know, currently.

Florida has been the epicenter of a major marine heat wave that has strengthened all summer. Tuesday was the peak of the heat in Miami so far,

An excessive heat warning is in effect for nearly all of South Florida, with parts of the region under that highest-level heat warning for the first time ever. Heat stress is reaching record levels, with the Miami metro area facing more than 100 hours of excessive heat index so far this summer, more than double the second-worst year, according to Miami-based meteorologist Brian McNoldy. On Tuesday, the Miami heat index peaked at 113°F (45°C) — the hottest reading in city history.

Miami is the only city in the world with a Chief Heat Officer, and has worked diligently to set local heat standards to give workers frequently exposed to outdoors protections from heat-related illness and injury even as similar rules are fought by the Florida Chamber of Commerce and state officials.

For daily updates on Miami weather and climate, subscribe to Currently’s Miami newsletter, led by meteorologist John Morales.

—Eric Holthaus

What you can do, currently.

Currently is now a member of the Covering Climate Now partnership, a resource-sharing initiative devoted to making sure the biggest story in human history is told in ways that resonate with everyone.

Take a look at the list of our new partners and maybe find a new favorite podcast or website to support!