Heat wave continues – a small break east Alabama?

**Heat advisories or warnings in effect for all of Alabama**

In the southeastern U. S. in the summertime, the sun is almost directly overhead and the days are long, so the incoming solar energy is usually bigger than the outgoing longwave radiation.  So, it typically continues to slowly warm up until a) there is a thunderstorm to cool things down, or b) the air mass changes.

That air mass change may be happening, temporarily, in areas east of I-65 today.  What we call a “wedge” of cool air is coming off the Atlantic Ocean, running into the Appalachian Mountains, and being forced southwest.  Running I-20 right now, it is 94 in Jackson, MS; 91 in Tuscaloosa, 89 in Birmingham, 84 in Anniston, and 75 in Atlanta.  These wedges are normally much colder and occur in the winter.  Don’t expect this one to last very long; it should dissipiate by tomorrow.  However, the clouds and Atlantic air have really slowed the heating down in the eastern half of Alabama, so high temperatures today may be 100-103 in west Alabama, and only 90-95 in Anniston and Gadsden.  Even still, with high humidity, heat index will be over 100 in BHM, and up to 110 in Tuscaloosa.

The hot air should remain through Wednesday and move back into east Alabama by then.  High temperatures yesterday were near mostly between 98 and 101, with 101 at Birmingham, 102 at Dothan and Tuscaloosa, and 103 at Greenville.  Temperatures should climb to near 100 at most locations again tomorrow through Wednesday.  With humidity, heat index may exceed 110 at times in some areas, and could be over 100 for several hours each day.  Nighttime lows are only dropping into the mid to upper 70s, so air conditioners are really working hard. 

This is probably the second worst heat wave in central Alabama in 10 years.  In 2007, temperatures were hotter (above 105), but is was not as humid, so it felt about the same.  Please take precautions.  Everyone needs to drink plenty of water, even if you’re mainly indoors.  All outdoor activities should be avoided, if possible, between 11 am and 7 pm, including football and band practice.  If you have to be outside during the day for any period of time, try to go in the shade often, take breaks in air conditioning, and pour water on yourself if possible to cool off.  If you know anyone who may not have air conditioning, check on them.  The elderly and disbaled are often vulnerable in heat waves.

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