Alabama Heat Continues as Severe Storm Risk Targets Some Areas

Alabamians have been dealing with a long stretch of heat and humidity, and apparently, today, Friday, August 21, didn’t get the memo that we’ve had enough. The heat is sticking around.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has many Alabama counties under a Heat Advisory until 9 p.m. They’re reminding everyone that hot temperatures and high humidity can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.

West Alabama Counties Under the Heat Advisory

Bibb

Fayette

Greene

Hale

Lamar

Perry

Pickens

Sumter

Tuscaloosa

Walker

Projected Friday Heat Index Values

Bibb: 106 °F

Fayette: 106 °F

Greene: 106 °F

Hale: 106 °F

Lamar: 107 °F

Perry: 105 °F

Pickens: 105 °F

Sumter: 109 °F

Tuscaloosa: 109 °F

Walker: 106 °F

Will the Heat Stick Around This Weekend?

The short answer is yes.

“Drier, less humid air will try to filter in over the weekend,” said the National Weather Service in Birmingham. “While still hot, Heat Advisories are not anticipated.”

Severe Weather Risk for Friday

There is a Marginal Risk for severe thunderstorms according to the Storm Prediction Center for the far southern counties in our coverage area between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m.

This includes the southern portion of Hale, Perry, and Sumter counties in West Alabama.

The main threat is damaging winds with gusts up to 60 mph. Also, “Heavier storms will be capable of producing strong wind gusts, heavy rain, and lots of lightning,” said James Spann, Alabama Weather Network Chief Meteorologist.