Heat advisory affecting North Alabama until Saturday evening

A heat advisory was issued by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 1:21 a.m. valid for Saturday between noon and 8 p.m. for Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, Marshall and Cullman counties.

The weather service describes, “Heat index values up to 108 degrees expected.”

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

Mastering the heat: Weather service Guidelines for staying safe in high temperatures

  • Stay hydrated: Keep yourself well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
  • Seek 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: 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: If you work or spend time outside, be sure to take additional safety measures.
  • Select the ideal time: If possible, move strenuous activities to early morning or evening for more favorable conditions.
  • Recognize heat-related issues: Familiarize yourself with warning signs and how tp recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  • Stay cool with clothing: Select lightweight and loose-fitting outfits for enhanced comfort.

Additional tips 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 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.