Heat advisory set for weekend
Published 11:13 am Thursday, July 22, 2010
The National Weather Service in Alabama has issued a heat advisory for the state, predicting temperatures will reach 100-degrees area wide.
NWS Meteorologist Jim Westland said the Calera office advisory is for all counties it serves, including Chilton County, and that it stretches all the way down to Tennessee Valley counties.
The advisory will remain in effect until 7 p.m. on Friday. Westland said, at that point, the NWS will re-evaluate the situation to see if it needs to be extended any further.
He said residents can expect temperatures in the upper-90s and some that could reach 100-degrees in surrounding areas. The heat index should reach 105-110 on Friday, though it could decrease during the weekend.
“Like I said, that’s something we have to take a harder look at later [Thursday],” Westland said. “Right now we’re focusing on Thursday and Friday.”
Residents should do whatever is necessary to stay cool during the heat advisory, Westland said, to avoid heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses.
“People who are working or playing outside, or even folks that are inside and don’t have adequate air conditioning, can overheat,” he said.
He said to stay inside cool buildings at all times and not spend any time outside if people can help it.
“If you have to be out in the hot weather, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated,” he said. “Drink water to replenish the fluids you lose when you sweat. Get in the shade and out of direct sunlight.”
For more information on the heat advisory, visit the Alabama NWS website at www.srh.noaa.gov/bmx/.