DANGEROUS HEAT LEVELS: 62 of Alabama’s 67 counties are under another Heat Advisory today and tomorrow as heat index values across the state are over 105° which is the danger range for much of the state. In fact, heat index values could be as high as 110° this afternoon. We all know how to stay cool, but when you have such high heat levels the onset of heat illnesses, specifically heat exhaustion and heat stroke, will occur more quickly.
If you feel any of these symptoms, take action immediately.
Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the U.S., claiming hundreds of lives each year. It can worsen existing health issues and lead to serious illness. While everyone is at risk, certain groups are especially vulnerable, including:
Young children and infants, whose bodies don’t regulate heat as well
Older adults, especially those with health conditions, limited mobility, or who live alone
People with chronic medical conditions
Pregnant women, due to risks like preterm birth and low birth weight
It’s crucial to check on those at higher risk—especially if they lack air conditioning.
Vehicle safety warning: Never leave children, pets, or disabled individuals in a parked car, even briefly. In 2024, 39 children died from being left in hot cars—these tragedies can happen in just 10 minutes, even in cooler months.
Afternoon highs today and tomorrow will be in the mid to upper 90s across the state, and though these are not near record values for this time of year, it is still very hot for Alabama in late July. Rain chances today are in the 20-30% range, but will increase to the 40-50% range tomorrow. Though most locations will remain dry today, any storms that develop will be strong: BIG HEAT, BIG STORMS. An isolated severe storm will be possible with damaging wind gusts in the form of downbursts. Of course all storms will produce tremendous amounts of lightning and torrential tropical downpours which can lead to areas of isolated flash flooding.
BIRMINGHAM ALMANAC: For July 28th, the average high for Birmingham is 91° and the average low is 73°. The record high is 105° set in 1952, while the record low is 60° set in 1911. We average 0.16” of precipitation on this date and the record value is 2.48” set in 1977.
USA BRIEF: Severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and flooding are possible from the northern Rockies into the Upper Midwest. A derecho is likely across portions of the northern Plains, with several gusts expected to exceed 75 mph. Extreme heat is expected to intensify across much of the eastern half of the U.S., especially the Southeast and Tennessee Valley.
REST OF WEEK: The ridge begins to weaken and shift west for the second half of the week, meaning heat levels begin to decrease while rain chances will increase. Highs will return to the low 90s, which are right where they should be for the final days of July. Rain chances will be in the 50-60% range.
WEEKEND WEATHER: The month of August looks to start off with well-below average temperatures with highs in the mid 80s Saturday, and potentially in the low 80s Sunday and Monday. The sky will be occasionally cloudy both days with scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms around. No wash-out, but expect some rain from time to time both days, with higher coverage during the afternoon and evening hours.
NEXT WEEK: The ridge begins to rebuild and shift east next week with highs back in the low and mid 90s by mid-week. Random, scattered showers ands storms are expected daily with the greatest coverage during the afternoon and evening hours.
IN THE TROPICS: The Atlantic Basin, including the Gulf and Caribbean are quiet for now with no tropical cyclone development expected the next seven days.
WORLD TEMPERATURE EXTREMES: Over the last 24 hours, the highest observation outside the U.S. was 125.2F at Basrah International Airport, Iraq. The lowest observation was -97.4F at Concordia, Antarctica.
CONTIGUOUS TEMPERATURE EXTREMES: Over the last 24 hours, the highest observation was 114F at Tolleson, AZ. The lowest observation was 22F at Peter Sinks, UT.
