HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Temperatures will continue to rise across the Deep South this week, supporting dangerously hot conditions across the region.
On Monday, a Heat Advisory will be in effect for Colbert, Franklin and Lauderdale counties. With the hottest and humid air mass forecast to be in place across Northwest Alabama, heat index values there could near 108 degrees.
Though the rest of the Tennessee Valley won’t be under an advisory Monday, it will still be very hot and humid.
With the risk of dangerous heat impacting the Tennessee Valley this week, The Weather Authority has issued an Impact Day for Tuesday and Wednesday. While Monday will be hot and humid, Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to bring the most dangerous heat conditions to the region.
Above the surface, an area of high pressure will continue to build across the region. This heat dome will prevent the hot and humid air from rising, trapping it at the surface. The dome of high pressure will be the strongest on Tuesday and Wednesday before it begins breaking down on Thursday.
With the upper-level ridge forecast to be the strongest beginning Tuesday, this is when we will start seeing the hottest and most humid air in place.
Temperatures are forecast to rise well into the mid to upper 90s on Tuesday and Wednesday. Along with the warmer temperatures, the dew points will also continue to rise well into the low to mid-70s.
The combination of very humid and warm air in place will support very uncomfortable conditions. Heat index values will range from 98 to 108 degrees, with the hottest temperatures being across Northwest Alabama.
As of Sunday evening, no heat alerts have been issued for Tuesday or Wednesday yet. The NWS will likely issue alerts starting Monday morning, so stick with The Weather Authority for the latest information!
Understanding This Week’s Heat Risk:
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Tennessee Valley’s heat risk is a moderate to major, with parts of Colbert and Lauderdale counties highlighted under an extreme risk. These different heat risk levels show the potential impacts the heat could pose to your health and well-being.
It’s recommended that you limit the amount of time you spend outdoors and increase the amount of water you drink, the higher your heat risk. If you need to be outdoors for work, where light colored and weighted clothing. If you begin to feel lightheaded, seek shade or a place to cool down.
You also want to make sure to bring pets inside out of the heat and never leave them inside a car with the windows up. It only takes 20 minutes for the inside of your car to reach 124 degrees when the air temperature is 97 degrees.
Pop-up Summertime Showers & Storms Continue:
Along with the excessive heat, the summertime showed and storm chances will continue for the area. The best chance for rain activity will be during the peak daytime heating hours in the afternoon and evening each day. These will be isolated in coverage, meaning some will see rain while others remain dry.
Similar to what we saw this past weekend, an isolated strong to severe storm can’t be ruled out. Storms that develop will be capable of producing frequent lightning, locally heavy rain, strong winds over 40 mph, and hail.
If you have any outdoor plans this week, stay alert for rapidly changing conditions and have ways to receive weather alerts.
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