100-degree temps in the forecast as heat advisory issued across Alabama

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for much of the state as dangerous heat levels are expected Monday and Tuesday (July 27-28).

Some areas have forecasted temperatures in the triple digits with the heat index reaching as high as 112.

Keep reading to see what’s expected for your area + how you can stay safe in the hear.

How hot will it get in Alabama this week?

Coastal Alabama could see the hottest temperatures this week but pretty much the entire state will be impacted by the heat.

Here are some of the forecasted highs + heat indeces for Tuesday, July 28:

• Anniston: 95 (99)
• Auburn: 97 (107)
• Birmingham: 97 (107)
• Dothan: 96 (106)
• Florence: 96 (107)
• Gulf Shores: 93 (108)
• Huntsville: 96 (106)
• Mobile: 95 (109)
• Montgomery: 99 (110)
• Selma: 100 (113)
• Tuscaloosa: 99 (110)

The National Weather Service said the “feels like” temperatures could reach as high as 115 along the coast Tuesday.

What is a heat advisory?

According to the National Weather Service, a Heat Advisory is issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria. Consider postponing or rescheduling outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day.

If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay in a cool place, especially during the heat of the day and evening.

The door is still open to an Extreme Heat Watch or Warning to be issued in parts of the state Tuesday.

The Extreme Heat Warning is issued when extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring. Avoid outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay indoors in an air-conditioned space as much as possible, including overnight. Check on family and neighbors.

Tips to stay safe in the heat

• Slow down: Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Children, seniors and anyone with health concerns should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
• Dress for summer: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat.
• Eat light: Choose easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads.
  • If you pack food, put it in a cooler or carry an ice pack. Meats and dairy products can spoil quickly in hot weather.
• Drink plenty of water (not very cold): Focus on non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids. Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you’re on a fluid-restrictive diet or have a problem with fluid retention, consult a physician before increasing consumption of fluids.
• Use air conditioners: Spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries if your home isn’t air conditioned.
• Use portable electric fans: Fans exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air. Do not direct the flow of portable electric fans toward yourself when room temperatures are hotter than 90°F.
• Minimize direct exposure to the sun: Sunburn reduces your body’s ability to dissipate heat. Take a cool bath or shower.
• Do not take salt tablets: Only take salt tablets if recommended by a physician.
• Be aware of infants, older, sick or frail people and pets: Never leave children, disabled adults or pets in a car.

Signs of heat-related illness

• Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.
  • Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen. Heavy sweating.
  • First Aid: Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water. 
  • Seek immediate medical attention if cramps last longer than 1 hour.
• Heat exhaustion
  • Symptoms: Heavy sweating; weakness or tiredness; cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; muscle cramps; dizziness, nausea or vomiting; headache; fainting.
  • First Aid: Move person to a cooler environment, preferably a well air-conditioned room. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths or have person sit in a cool bath. Offer sips of water. 
  • Seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour
• Heat Stroke
  • Symptoms: Throbbing headache; confusion; slurred speech; nausea; dizziness; body temperature above 103°F; hot, red, dry or damp skin; rapid and strong pulse; fainting; loss of consciousness.
  • First Aid: Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Delay can be fatal. Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment. Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath. Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures. Do NOT give fluids.