On Monday at 11:18 a.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated heat advisory in effect until 6 p.m. for Choctaw, Washington, Clarke, Wilcox, Monroe, Conecuh, Butler, Crenshaw, Escambia, Covington, Mobile and Baldwin counties.

The weather service describes, “Heat index values up to 109 degrees.”

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

Weather service Heat safety: Protecting yourself in hot conditions

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids.
• Find cool shelter: Opt for an air-conditioned room to stay comfortable.
• 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 must work or spend time outdoors, take extra precautions.
• Select the ideal time: Consider rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening if possible.
• Recognize heat-related issues: Learn to identify the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Dress for comfort: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to stay comfortable.

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 succumbs to the heat, promptly relocate them to a cool, shaded location.
• In emergency situations, dial 911 for immediate assistance.

These NWS heat safety recommendations are vital for your well-being during periods of high temperatures. Stay informed and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others from the heat’s potentially dangerous effects.

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.