Heat advisory now runs through Monday night in Gadsden, heat index up to 109

The National Weather Service has a heat advisory in effect for the Gadsden area until 9 p.m. Monday. The heat index could climb to 109 degrees. The advisory was issued at 4:27 a.m. Sunday.

The dangerous heat is not over. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for the Gadsden area early Sunday morning, and it stays in effect until 9 p.m. Monday.

Forecasters say the heat index could reach 109 degrees. The heat index is what the air feels like when you combine temperature and humidity. A 97 degree day with heavy humidity can feel like standing in a 109 degree oven.

This is a new advisory. An earlier one covered the area through Saturday night. That one has ended, but the heat has not. The new advisory stretches across two full days instead of one.

Who is most at risk?

Heat illness can hit anyone. It hits some people harder and faster.

Older adults and young children are at higher risk. So are people who work outside, people without air conditioning, and people who take certain medications. Athletes and band members practicing outdoors are at risk during afternoon sessions.

Never leave a child or a pet in a parked car. Not for a minute. The inside of a car heats up fast, even with the windows cracked.

What does the Weather Service say to do?

The advice is simple and it works.

Drink plenty of fluids. Stay in an air conditioned room when you can. Stay out of the sun. Check on relatives and neighbors, especially anyone living alone.

If you work or spend time outside, take extra care. Move hard physical activity to early morning or evening when possible. Wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing. Keep water with you.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends frequent rest breaks in shade or air conditioning for anyone working outdoors.

What are the warning signs of heat illness?

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are not the same thing.

Heat exhaustion can bring heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, a fast but weak pulse, nausea, muscle cramps, tiredness and dizziness. Move the person to a cool place. Loosen clothing. Give sips of water.

Heat stroke is an emergency. Body temperature climbs high, the skin can turn hot and dry, the pulse gets fast and strong, and the person may become confused or pass out. Call 911. Move the person somewhere cool while you wait. Do not give them anything to drink.

What should people watch for Monday?

Monday is the second day of the advisory and the heat is expected to hold. Outdoor practices, work crews, and anyone spending the afternoon outside should plan around the peak hours, roughly 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Weather Service can extend an advisory or upgrade it to a warning if conditions worsen. GadsdenThrive will update this story if that happens.

If you lose power during a stretch like this, treat it as more than an inconvenience. A home without air conditioning gets dangerous quickly in these conditions.

Earlier coverage

• Heat advisory covers Gadsden through Saturday night, with heat index up to 109
• Heat Advisory Continues Thursday in Gadsden; Friday Could Reach 98

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Gadsden heat advisory last?
Until 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17.

How hot will it feel?
The heat index could reach 109 degrees.

When was the advisory issued?
The National Weather Service issued it at 4:27 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16.