An extreme heat warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 2:35 p.m. in effect until 9 p.m. for Marshall, Jackson, DeKalb and Cullman counties.

The weather service adds to expect, “Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 111 degrees.”

“Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” describes the weather service.

Mastering the heat: Guidelines for staying safe in high temperatures

• Stay hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of fluids.
• Find cool shelter: Stay indoors in an air-conditioned room to keep cool.
• Avoid sun exposure: Stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
• Child and pet safety: Exercise vigilance when it comes to young children and pets. Never leave them unattended in vehicles during high temperatures, as car interiors can quickly become dangerously hot.
• Caution outdoors: Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside.
• Time your activities wisely: Consider rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening if possible.
• Recognize heat-related issues: Recognize the warning signs and familiarize yourself with symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Dress comfortably: Select lightweight and loose-fitting outfits for enhanced comfort.

Additional recommendations for outdoor workers:

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas for outdoor workers.
• If someone is overwhelmed by the heat, swiftly relocate them to a cool, shaded location.
• In emergencies, call 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.