First Alert: Intense heat wave in progress

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - This week’s weather will by far be the hottest stretch of heat and humidity Alabama has seen this year. Yesterday was just the beginning... our warmer than normal temperatures continues to march right along today. Looking ahead, there is really no sign that the intense heat will loosen its grip; should the forecast hold, this would be the first heat wave of 2022.

High temperatures each afternoon for at least the next 7-10 days will be in the mid and upper 90s. Upper 90s are now favored just about every day for most locations. Some places will reach the 100 degree mark over the next 7-10 days, perhaps multiple times.

With the very high humidity expected to stick with us, the heat indices will be dangerously high regardless of the exact temperature in your back yard. It will feel like it’s in the 102° to 112° range through at least Saturday.

The reason why the heat indices may come down just a bit is hope for a drop in the mugginess this weekend into next week! Not a major change, but enough to provide some relief.

It will still be brutally hot, but the lower humidity will help make things feel just a touch better.

Even the overnights will be above normal and muggy. Lows will be in the mid-70s to even upper 70s, with the cooler spots falling into the lower 70s. Expect the A/C to get a big-time workout, even at night.

The only way any sort of relief will occur is if your location happens to see a shower or storm. This is possible each and every day through Friday, but it’s not a guarantee.

Coverage will be isolated to scattered during the 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. window today through the end of the workweek. There could be a shower or storm outside of that window, but that’s when most activity would occur. The best chance of seeing any of this will be this evening and again Wednesday evening.

Any storms that develop could be strong and produce heavy rain, plenty of lightning and gusty winds.

The chance of rain dwindles this weekend into next week, but the heat is going nowhere. Actual air temperatures will soar into the middle and upper 90s this weekend, with upper 90s to near 100 degrees a good bet as next week progresses.

The heat we’re enduring will be dangerous to even the healthiest of people. Please remember these heat-related safety measures you can take:

• Stay hydrated and avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Limit time outdoors, especially between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Stay in the A/C as much as possible
• Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing
• Avoid large meals
• Use sunscreen and wear hats
• Check on those without proper means of staying cool

Copyright 2022 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.