Heat index could hit 112° in Huntsville this week—what to know

We don’t need to tell folks here in Huntsville that it’s hot outside. You know that. What you may not know is just how hot the next few days will be, factoring in the heat index.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory across the state from July 27 through July 30, and heat indices here in North Alabama are expected to top 110 degrees.

How hot will it get this week?

Tuesday, the heat index is expected to reach 112 degrees, but temps will drop to around 92 by Wednesday (if 92 degrees counts as “cooling down”).

The rest of the week will bring high humidity but somewhat lower temps with highs in the lower 90s and high 80s.

How to stay safe during a heat advisory

When the heat index is above 105, the National Weather Service says there are higher possibilities for heat-related illnesses including:

• Sunstroke
• Heat cramps
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat stroke possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity

Some tips from the American Red Cross:

• Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day.
• Dress for summer. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
• Limit foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production and increase water loss.
• Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air-conditioned environment affords some protection.
• Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.

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