Alabama Braces for Excessive Temperatures, Brutal Heat Indices

Get ready for very hot weather. Texas has experienced treacherous temperatures and heat index values and this excessive heat will make its way to our area. Also, much of the southern region is under some sort of heat watch, warning, or advisory.

James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist said that “heat levels will continue to rise across Alabama and the Deep South through the rest of the week with mostly sunny days and fair nights.”

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Why Has It Been So Brutal?

I’m sure you have heard the term “heat dome” a dozen times over the past week causing this extreme heat. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a heat dome occurs when “high-pressure circulation in the atmosphere acts like a dome or cap, trapping heat at the surface and favoring the formation of a heat wave.”

Wednesday – Friday Temperature Outlook

“Temperatures reach the mid-90s today, upper 90s tomorrow, and the 97-101 degree range Friday afternoon. With high humidity values, the heat index will rise into the 105-110 degree range tomorrow and Friday,” said Spann.

Weather Alerts

As conditions develop the advisory, watches, and warnings more than likely will be adjusted for timing and locations.

I encourage you to not get caught up in where you fall in those weather alerts and to be more concerned with staying safe during these extremely hot circumstances. No matter what zone you live in or visit, it will be very hot.

Excessive Heat Warning

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued an “Excessive Heat Warning” from Thursday, June 29 at 11:00 a.m. until Friday, June 30 at 9 p.m.

This “Excessive Heat Warning” impacts the entire Townsquare Media coverage area which includes: Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, and Walker counties.

Here is the entire list of counties under the “Excessive Heat Warning” which includes: Autauga, Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Dallas, Elmore, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lamar, Lowndes, Marengo, Marion, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Shelby, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, Walker, and Winston.

Precautionary and Preparedness Actions

Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.

(Source) Click here to follow the Facebook Page for James Spann. For more from the National Weather Service Birmingham, click here. For more insight from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, click here.