Dangerous Heat Advisory Issued for Northeast Alabama
Residents Urged to Take Precautions in Cherokee, Etowah, DeKalb, Marshall, and Calhoun Counties
By Staff Reporter
July 22, 2025
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory through 9 p.m. Tuesday for much of central and northeast Alabama, including Cherokee, Etowah, Calhoun, DeKalb, and Marshall counties. Heat index values — which measure how hot it feels when humidity is factored in with the air temperature — are expected to climb as high as 107 degrees.
Health officials warn that conditions like these can quickly lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke, particularly for the elderly, young children, and people working outdoors.
What to Expect:
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Daytime highs well into the 90s, with humidity making it feel much hotter.
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Little relief overnight, as temperatures will remain warm and humid.
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Increased risk of heat-related illnesses, especially with prolonged sun exposure or physical activity.
Safety Tips:
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Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible.
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Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day — typically from noon to 6 p.m.
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Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
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Check on elderly neighbors, those without air conditioning, and anyone who might be vulnerable.
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Never leave children or pets in vehicles — even for a few minutes.
If you must be outside, wear light, loose-fitting clothing and take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors. Employers are urged to provide regular rest breaks for outdoor workers and ensure access to water and cooling areas.
Heat-related illness can come on quickly. Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, and muscle cramps. If someone shows these symptoms, move them to a cool place immediately and provide water. If symptoms worsen or the person stops sweating, call 911 — that could be a sign of heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency.
The advisory covers much of central and eastern Alabama, but the northeast region is especially at risk due to high humidity and little cloud cover.
Stay updated on local weather alerts and continue to practice heat safety throughout the week.
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Birmingham AL 1042 PM CDT Mon Jul 21 2025 ALZ017>020-024>027-035>038-043-045>050-222100- /O.EXA.KBMX.HT.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-250723T0200Z/ Blount-Etowah-Calhoun-Cherokee-Jefferson-Shelby-St. Clair- Talladega-Chilton-Coosa-Tallapoosa-Chambers-Elmore-Macon-Bullock- Lee-Russell-Pike-Barbour- Including the cities of Eufaula, Anniston, Tallassee, Columbiana, Lanett, Phenix City, Valley, Moody, Pelham, Dadeville, Centre, Clanton, Opelika, Oneonta, Wetumpka, Talladega, Gadsden, Birmingham, Pell City, Lafayette, Auburn, Rockford, Tuskegee, Union Springs, Alexander City, Troy, Sylacauga, Alabaster, and Hoover 1042 PM CDT Mon Jul 21 2025 ...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT TUESDAY... * WHAT...Heat index values up to 107. * WHERE...Barbour, Blount, Bullock, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Coosa, Elmore, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Macon, Pike, Russell, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, and Tallapoosa Counties. * WHEN...Until 9 PM CDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stoke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
