A blistering wave of extreme heat is settling over Alabama and much of the Southeast, with temperatures soaring into the high 90s and AccuWeather RealFeel values pushing well past 110 degrees through next week.
The National Weather Service and AccuWeather are urging residents to take precautions as heat-related illness becomes more likely, especially in areas with limited access to air conditioning.
Record heat to take hold in Alabama
Beginning this weekend, much of Alabama will bake under relentless sun. Highs will climb into the upper 90s, with cities like Birmingham forecast to hit 100 by Wednesday, a mark not reached in over two years. With no overnight cooling, lows will remain stuck in the upper 70s, offering little respite.
"Since this magnitude of heat has not been seen yet this year, some residents may not be accustomed to it," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Paul Merrill. "Seeking shade as often as possible when outdoors, drinking plenty of water and beverages with electrolytes and exercising early in the morning or later in the evening are all recommended."
The dangerous heat is part of a massive "heat dome" moving east from the central U.S., trapping hot air over the Southeast. Alabama is one of several states where the heat index is expected to reach 105 to 115 °F, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Watching the Gulf
Meteorologists are also monitoring a cluster of storms near the northern Gulf of Mexico, which may bring heavy rain and rough surf to Alabama's coastal areas. While the risk of full tropical development remains low, downpours and flash flooding are possible from the Florida Panhandle to the Gulf Coast.
What to expect in Alabama
These are the predicted temperatures for central-Alabama in the coming week:
Friday, July 25: 92°F. Accuweather RealFeel: 106°F
Saturday, July 26: 92°F. Accuweather RealFeel: 107°F
Sunday, July 27: 94°F. Accuweather RealFeel: 109°F
Monday, July 28: 99°F. Accuweather RealFeel: 112°F
Tuesday, July 29: 98°F. Accuweather RealFeel: 115°F
Wednesday, July 30: 92°F. Accuweather RealFeel: 108°F
Thursday, July 31: 95°F. Accuweather RealFeel: 105°F
Friday, Aug. 1: 92°F. Accuweather RealFeel: 108°F
Saturday, Aug. 2: 88°F. Accuweather RealFeel: 101°F
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: How hot will it get in Alabama this week? Here's what we know
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