textproduct: Huntsville

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 226 AM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026

- A heat wave will occur this week with a Heat Risk value of 3 out of 4 (Major category) to 4 out of 4 (Extreme category). Afternoon highs in the mid to upper 90s will be common, with peak heat index values between 105 to 110 degrees

- A Heat Advisory is currently in effect through 7 PM Tuesday for the entire Tennessee Valley.

NEAR TERM

(Today) Issued at 226 AM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026

The strong ridge of high pressure over the lower Mississippi Valley will amplify today and become centered directly over northern Alabama. Underneath this ridge, a dome of very warm and humid air sits, exacerbating heat risk concerns again today. Subsidence from the ridge will prohibit any cloud cover from developing and with ample sunshine and light southwest flow, this will only serve to compound the heat risk. The combination of afternoon highs rising to the mid to upper 90s and dewpoints in the lower 70s will create dangerous high heat index values between 105 to 109 degrees in most locations. Thus, a Heat Advisory remain in effect for the entire Tennessee Valley through 7 PM Tuesday. Please practice heat safety today -- stay hydrated, take frequent breaks from the heat, and never leave people or pets in vehicles!

SHORT TERM

(Monday night through Wednesday night) Issued at 1022 PM CDT Sun Jun 28 2026

Unfortunately, conditions will not improve for the foreseeable future as upper ridging remains anchored over the eastern US. Heat indices will rise to the 100-110 range through Wednesday and beyond, making for a dangerous heat wave during a time where outdoor activity is heightened. Afternoon temps are forecast to rise to the 95-98 degree range each afternoon with dewpoints in the mid 70s. We will feel no relief overnight as well as temps only fall to the mid to upper 70s. Although the synoptic support for thunderstorms appears weak at this time, a few weaker impulses embedded within the upper high may be enough to generate a few thunderstorms Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, primarily over NE AL where some terrain enhanced lift may be realized. The Heat Advisory will at least need to be extended through the remainder of the short term period in future forecast updates.

LONG TERM

(Thursday through Sunday) Issued at 1022 PM CDT Sun Jun 28 2026

The upper ridge will slowly make its way towards the eastern seaboard through Friday. By Saturday, ripples of shortwaves will traverse the Mississippi Valley into the Ohio and Tennessee valleys for the weekend, further weakening the influence of the ridge. At the surface, high pressure will maintain its hold over the Appalachians and into the Southeastern states through Sunday. Guidance indicates that moisture levels increase a bit more by late in the weekend as well (PWATs generally between 1.7-2.0 inches). Overall, expect a diurnal pattern to emerge by late week with daily chances of showers and storms, with generally low to medium chances (20-50%) each day. Severe weather is not anticipated at this time; however, with such warm and humid conditions, would not be surprised if the downburst potential increased by the weekend. Even with increasing shower and storm chances that may dampen the heat a bit, these will be our usual brief, summertime pop up thunderstorms and not every location will see rain.

Ultimately, the hot conditions will continue through Saturday at least until increased rain chances result in a slight cooldown for Sunday. Highs are forecast to remain in the mid to upper 90s with lows in the lower to mid 70s across north Alabama and southern middle Tennessee through Saturday. With elevated moisture, heat indices range between 100-109 degrees. NWS HeatRisk will also remain in the Major to Extreme categories (Levels 3 and 4 of 4) which are due in part to the compounding heat from earlier in the week. Lastly, forecast WBGTs generally range in the 87-90 degree range during the afternoons each day through Saturday. Therefore, heat products will likely be needed through late week. Make sure to take precautions for the dangerous heat! Wear light- colored, loose- fitting clothing, stay hydrated, and take frequent breaks in the shade if you work outside or have outdoor activities! Look before you lock - never leave people or pets in vehicles!

AVIATION

(06Z TAFS) Issued at 1208 AM CDT Mon Jun 29 2026

VFR conditions will prevail through the period, with light SW winds and mostly clear sky.

CLIMATE

Issued at 655 PM CDT Sun Jun 28 2026

Moderate Risk for Much Above Normal Temperatures:

The Climate Prediction Center has included northwest Alabama in a Moderate Risk for Much Above Normal Temperatures on July 6. This means that there is a medium chance (40-60%) for temperatures to reach or exceed 93-95 degrees with heat indices above 105 degrees during this period.

More information on the CPC U.S. Hazards Outlook can be found at:

https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/threats/threats.php

HUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

AL...Heat Advisory until 7 PM CDT Tuesday for ALZ001>010-016.

TN...Heat Advisory until 7 PM CDT Tuesday for TNZ076-096-097.