South Alabama opened the work week under a heat advisory as searing temperatures and oppressive humidity pushed the heat index well past the danger threshold across the Mobile area.
Actual air temperatures were forecast to climb into the mid-90s, but with humidity factored in, the heat index was expected to range between 105 and 109 degrees. Forecasters urged residents to take precautions, including staying hydrated, limiting time outdoors during peak afternoon hours, and checking on elderly neighbors or anyone without reliable air conditioning.
The dangerously high heat index values were not expected to ease immediately. Similar conditions were forecast to persist into the following day, with the heat index again climbing into the advisory range.
Some relief was on the way by midweek. Forecasters said the region would stay relatively dry for a couple more days, but tropical moisture was expected to move back into South Alabama later in the week. While no tropical development was anticipated, rounds of heavy rain were possible from Wednesday through Saturday. That rain was expected to help knock high temperatures back down into the 80s by the weekend.
Conditions along the coast remained favorable for beachgoers and boaters despite the heat. Rip current risk was rated low, with yellow flags flying at area beaches. Boaters could expect light winds and seas generally under 2 feet. Forecasters still recommended sunscreen and plenty of water for anyone spending extended time outside, whether on the sand or on the water.
Residents were encouraged to monitor local forecasts and alerts throughout the week as the heat advisory played out and rain chances returned to the Gulf Coast.