A heat advisory is in effect for northwest Alabama through Sunday evening, with temperatures feeling like 105°F due to high humidity. The advisory will remain in place until 7 p.m. Sunday.
Heat Advisory Covers Several Counties
The National Weather Service in Huntsville has issued the advisory for Lauderdale, Colbert, and Franklin counties, which includes cities such as Florence, Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, Sheffield, Red Bay, and Russellville. The combination of high temperatures and humidity significantly increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, making it important for residents to take precautions.
Health Risks and Safety Measures
Residents are urged to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, especially between noon and 6 p.m., when temperatures will be at their peak. For those who need to be outdoors, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids, wear light clothing, and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. Emergency officials also recommend checking on elderly neighbors and limiting outdoor work to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Cooling Centers Available
This marks the first widespread heat advisory of the summer in northwest Alabama. Local cooling centers in Florence and Muscle Shoals will remain open through Sunday evening, providing residents a place to escape the heat. These centers are crucial for those without access to air conditioning.
Continued Heat and Potential for Additional Alerts
Temperatures are expected to remain high into early next week, and if conditions persist, additional heat advisories may be issued. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this intense heat.
With temperatures feeling like 105°F, northwest Alabama is facing dangerous heat conditions. Residents should stay cool, hydrated, and indoors during peak heat hours, and check on vulnerable individuals. Cooling centers are open, and additional advisories may be issued if the heatwave continues.
