At 12:11 a.m. on Tuesday, the National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning valid between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. for Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison and Morgan counties.

The weather service adds, “Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 degrees to 112 expected.”

“Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events,” explains the weather service.

Mastering the heat: Guidelines for staying safe in high temperatures

• Stay hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of fluids.
• Seek shelter: Stay indoors in an air-conditioned room to keep cool.
• Avoid sun exposure: Stay out of the sun, and make sure to check up on relatives and neighbors.
• Child and pet safety: Never leave young children and pets unattended in vehicles, especially when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes.
• Caution outdoors: If you must work or spend time outdoors, take extra precautions.
• Select the ideal time: When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
• Recognize heat-related issues: Learn to identify the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Dress for comfort: Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing.

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 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.