Heat wave arrives in Alabama; heat indices of up to 107 expected

Last Friday officially marked the start to the summer season and temperatures across Alabama are living up to their standard.

Tuesday and Wednesday (June 24-25) are expected to be the hottest days of the year so far with nearly the entire state expected to reach triple digits on the “feels like” scale.

A heat advisory has already been issued for several areas. According to the National Weather Service, several areas could reach a heat index of more than 105 including:

• Huntsville: 107
• Muscle Shoals: 106
• Gadsden: 106
• Selma: 106
• Auburn: 105
• Clanton: 105
• Eufaula: 105
• Montgomery: 105
• Tuscaloosa: 105

How to stay cool

The National Weather Service says peak heat times will fall between 1-4PM on Tuesday and Wednesday.

When the heat index is above 105, NWS says there are higher possibilities for heat-related illnesses including:

• Sunstroke
• Heat cramps
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat stroke possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity

So before heading outside this week, make sure to take some advice from the experts. Here’s some tips to keep in mind:

• Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
• Dress for summer. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
• Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.
• Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
• Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air conditioned environment affords some protection.
• Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.

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