Parts of Alabama could see some of the hottest weather of the year this week, with multiple triple-digit temperatures forecast for the days ahead.

The scorching temps are the result of a heat dome – a strong area of high pressure that pumps up temperatures while lowering rain chances. The National Weather Service is forecasting the hottest days this week to be Wednesday and Thursday with heat indices in the central and northern parts of the state reaching 110 degrees.

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The triple-digit temps and high heat indices raise concerns about heat-related illnesses.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Alabama Department of Public Health, people who are at the highest risk of heat-related illnesses include people ages 65 and older, children younger than 2 and people with chronic diseases or mental illness. Other people who can be disproportionately affected include athletes, outdoor workers or people in low-income households where there is not adequate cooling.

Anyone who is exposed to high temperatures or extreme heat, however, can experience symptoms when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded, ADPH said.

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The most common heat-related illnesses are as follows:

• Heat cramps include muscle pains or spasms in the abdomen, arms or legs, profuse sweat, and high salt concentration in the sweat.
• Heat exhaustion is associated with heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, or vomiting and fainting. Other possible symptoms may include cool and moist skin, fast and weak pulse rate, fast and shallow breathing, or irritability. Older adults, those with high blood pressure. and people working or exercising in a hot environment are prone to heat exhaustion. If heat exhaustion is not treated, it may progress to heatstroke.
• Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness, a life-threatening problem, may occur when the body is unable to control its temperature. Body temperature may rise to 106 degrees or higher within 10-15 minutes. Signs include an extremely high body temperature, red, hot and dry or moist skin, rapid, strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, dehydration, combativeness or confusion, and unconsciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and even with immediate treatment, it can be life-threatening or cause serious long-term problems.

ADPH recommends people drink plenty of fluids except alcohol or caffeinated beverages to prevent dehydration, stay in an air-conditioned room, keep out of the sun by seeking shelter, wear a wide-brimmed hat, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, take cool showers or baths, and reduce or eliminate strenuous activities during the hottest times of the day.

It’s also important to never leave people or pets in a parked vehicle.