Heat Advisory Issued for West Alabama as Heat Index Climbs

This summer's heat has been brutal on Alabamians, and it seems like we are stuck in a never-ending “heat advisory.” Today, Wednesday, August 19, is no different, as West Alabama is under a “heat advisory” through 9 p.m., issued by the National Weather Service in Birmingham.

The combination of hot temperatures with high humidity can create conditions for heat-related illnesses.

Hottest Hours

The main timeframe across West Alabama for when ‘feels-like’ temperatures hit 100 °F+ will be between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. for Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Sumter, and between Noon and 7 p.m. for Bibb, Fayette, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, and Walker counties.

Expected Temps, Heat Indices for Wednesday and Thursday

Bibb

Wednesday: Expected Temperature 98 °F & Projected Heat Index Value: 109 °F

Thursday: Expected Temperature 99 °F & Projected Heat Index Value: 111 °F

Fayette

Wednesday: Expected Temperature 99 °F & Projected Heat Index Value: 110 °F

Thursday: Expected Temperature 98 °F & Projected Heat Index Value: 109 °F

Greene

Wednesday: Expected Temperature 99 °F & Projected Heat Index Value: 108 °F

Thursday: Expected Temperature 99 °F & Projected Heat Index Value: 109 °F

Hale

Wednesday: Expected Temperature 98 °F & Projected Heat Index Value: 105 °F

Thursday: Expected Temperature 99 °F & Projected Heat Index Value: 107 °F

Lamar

Wednesday: Expected Temperature 100 °F & Projected Heat Index Value: 111 °F

Thursday: Expected Temperature 99 °F & Projected Heat Index Value: 110 °F

Perry

Wednesday: Expected Temperature 98 °F & Projected Heat Index Value: 105 °F

Thursday: Expected Temperature 99 °F & Projected Heat Index Value: 107 °F

Pickens

Wednesday: Expected Temperature 98 °F & Projected Heat Index Value: 109 °F

Thursday: Expected Temperature 98 °F & Projected Heat Index Value: 109 °F

Sumter

Wednesday: Expected Temperature 99 °F & Projected Heat Index Value: 109 °F

Thursday: Expected Temperature 99 °F & Projected Heat Index Value: 109 °F

Tuscaloosa

Wednesday: Expected Temperature 97 °F & Projected Heat Index Value: 106 °F

Thursday: Expected Temperature 97 °F & Projected Heat Index Value: 107 °F

Walker

Wednesday: Expected Temperature 97 °F & Projected Heat Index Value: 109 °F

Thursday: Expected Temperature 97 °F & Projected Heat Index Value: 109 °F

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Precautionary & Preparedness Actions from the NWS

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. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing when possible, and drink plenty of water.

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. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911.

Stay safe today and hydrated. - Mary K. | Weather Forecaster

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