The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for all of Central Alabama, including west Blount County, in effect from 9 p.m. tonight through 9 p.m. Monday. Heat index values - what the temperature actually feels like factoring in humidity - are expected to reach as high as 113 degrees.
That warning follows directly on the heels of a Heat Advisory already in effect for this afternoon, through 9 p.m. tonight, with heat index values up to 109. An Extreme Heat Warning is a step above an Advisory - NWS issues it when heat and humidity combine to create conditions dangerous enough to cause heat-related illness in anyone spending time outdoors, not just those most at risk.
The forecast:
- Today (Sunday): High near 98, heat index up to 109 - Heat Advisory in effect until 9 p.m.
- Tonight into Monday: Extreme Heat Warning begins at 9 p.m.
- Monday: High near 98, heat index up to 113 - Extreme Heat Warning in effect until 9 p.m.
- Tuesday: High near 94 - the first real break in the pattern
- Wednesday: High near 97
- Thursday: High near 95, chance of afternoon storms
- Friday: High near 91, chance of storms
- Saturday: High near 90
Overnight lows are only dropping to around 75 tonight and Monday night, which means little relief after dark. The Weather Service says that pattern raises the risk of heat-related illness, since bodies don’t get much chance to cool down before the next day’s heat builds back in.
A slight chance of afternoon storms is in the forecast for both today and Monday, but nothing significant enough to break the heat before Tuesday.
NWS safety guidance for this stretch:
- Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned space, and stay out of direct sun when possible
- Check on relatives and neighbors, especially those without reliable air conditioning
- Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle under any circumstances
- If you work or spend time outside, reschedule strenuous activity to early morning or evening and take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning
- Know the signs of heat exhaustion - heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness - and heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke.