Extreme Heat Warning now covers Etowah County through 9 p.m. Monday

Etowah County is now under an Extreme Heat Warning. The National Weather Service in Birmingham upgraded the county from a heat advisory late Sunday. The warning runs until 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17. Heat index values could reach 105 to 113 degrees.

The upgrade covers all of Central Alabama, not just Gadsden. Forecasters said Monday could be one of the hottest days of the summer so far.

What is the difference between a heat advisory and an Extreme Heat Warning?

A heat advisory means the heat is dangerous. A warning means it is worse. The Weather Service uses the warning level when the heat is likely to hurt people who are otherwise healthy, not just people who are already at risk.

For most of last week, Etowah County sat under advisories. Sunday’s upgrade moves the county up a step. It is the strongest heat product the Weather Service issues.

How hot will it get in Gadsden on Monday?

Sunday was already brutal. Temperatures across Central Alabama climbed into the upper 90s, and parts of west Alabama hit 101 degrees, the Weather Service said. Overnight lows will only drop into the mid to upper 70s, so the air will not cool off much before morning.

Monday heats up fast. Temperatures could reach the low to mid 90s by lunchtime. Afternoon highs will climb into the upper 90s. Add the humidity and it could feel like 105 to 113 degrees outside.

Nights like this matter as much as the afternoons. When the low stays near 75, the body never gets a real break from the heat. That is part of why forecasters moved to a warning.

Are storms in the forecast too?

Yes. A weak front moves toward Alabama on Monday and raises rain chances during the afternoon and evening. The best chance for scattered storms sits along and north of Interstate 20, which includes Etowah County.

With this much heat and humidity in place, storms could build quickly. A few could turn strong. The main threat is damaging wind gusts, along with heavy rain and frequent lightning. Storms could start firing in the afternoon and continue into the evening.

Have a way to get warnings on your phone. A storm that grows fast does not leave much lead time.

Who is most at risk in this heat?

Older adults, young children, and people with heart or lung conditions face the highest risk. So does anyone who works outside. Roofers, road crews, landscapers, and warehouse workers all take the worst of it.

People without working air conditioning are at risk too. So are pets and livestock. Never leave a child or an animal in a parked car, not even for a minute. The inside of a car can climb past 120 degrees fast.

What should you do to stay safe?

• Drink water through the day, before you feel thirsty
• Stay in air conditioning during the hottest hours, roughly 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Move hard outdoor work to early morning or after sunset
• Take breaks in the shade or indoors, and take them often
• Wear light, loose clothing
• Check on older neighbors and family members
• Skip alcohol and heavy meals, which make dehydration worse

Know the warning signs. Heavy sweating, muscle cramps, dizziness, headache, and nausea can mean heat exhaustion. Get to a cool place and drink water.

Heat stroke is different. Hot dry skin, confusion, a fast pulse, or passing out are emergencies. Call 911 right away and move the person somewhere cool while you wait.

How does the warning affect schools?

Monday opens the first full week of classes in Etowah County. Schools started last week, but this is the first stretch of five straight days, and it lands on the hottest day in the forecast.

Forecasters said rain should not be a problem during the morning bus run. The heat builds fast after that. Afternoon dismissal, outdoor practice, and band rehearsal all fall in the worst part of the day.

Attalla City Schools said every athletic practice last week was altered or changed because of the heat. Check with your school for changes to practice times this week.

When does the heat break?

Not right away. The ridge of high pressure driving this heat starts to weaken after Monday, but Tuesday and Wednesday still bring highs in the mid 90s. Heat index values could still approach 105 degrees. More heat advisories are possible.

Scattered storms stay in the forecast through midweek, with rain chances around 20 to 40 percent. Later in the week, a boundary settles into Central Alabama and could bring slightly lower humidity and temperatures closer to normal by next weekend.

Frequently asked questions

When does the Extreme Heat Warning end?
It runs until 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17.

What heat index is expected in Etowah County?
Between 105 and 113 degrees Monday afternoon.

Is severe weather expected Monday?
Scattered storms are possible Monday afternoon and evening, mainly along and north of Interstate 20. Damaging wind gusts are the main threat.

What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?
Heat exhaustion brings heavy sweating, cramps, dizziness, and nausea. Heat stroke brings hot dry skin, confusion, and possible loss of consciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911.

Earlier coverage: Heat advisory now runs through Monday night in Gadsden and Etowah County weather this week: building heat as students head back to class.