Heat advisory in place for Northwest Alabama until Friday evening

At 4:35 p.m. on Thursday, the National Weather Service released a heat advisory in effect until Friday at 7 p.m. for Lauderdale, Colbert and Franklin counties.

The weather service says to expect, “Heat index values up to 107 degrees.”

“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” explains the weather service.

Heat wave safety tips: Stay safe with these recommendations from the weather service

  • Stay hydrated: Remember to drink plenty of fluids.
  • Seek cool shelter: Stay in an air-conditioned room.
  • Avoid sun exposure: Avoid direct sun exposure, protect yourself and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors.
  • Child and pet safety: Do not leave young children and pets unattended in vehicles when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
  • Caution outdoors: Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside.
  • Time your activities wisely: When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
  • Recognize heat-related issues: Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  • Stay cool with clothing: Select lightweight and loose-fitting outfits for enhanced comfort.

Additional recommendations for outdoor workers:

  • For outdoor workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends regular rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
  • If someone succumbs to the heat, promptly relocate them to a cool, shaded location.
  • In emergency situations, dial 911 for immediate assistance.

These NWS heat safety directives are essential for safeguarding your well-being when facing high temperatures. Stay well-informed and take the necessary precautions to shield yourself and others from the potential hazards of extreme heat.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.