textproduct: Huntsville

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 143 AM CDT Wed Jul 1 2026

- An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect for all of northern AL and southern Middle TN through 7PM Today due to a combination of afternoon temperatures in the mid-upper 90s and heat indices up to 114F. A Heat Advisory remains in effect from 7PM Today through 7PM Thursday.

- Low to medium (20-40%) afternoon/evening thunderstorm chances exist region-wide today through Saturday.

- Conditions will be favorable for a few strong to severe storms this afternoon and again on Thursday afternoon, with damaging winds being the primary threat.

NEAR TERM

(Today) Issued at 143 AM CDT Wed Jul 1 2026

A dangerous heatwave continues across the Tennessee Valley today as a strong mid/upper ridge remains centered across the Tennessee Valley. Underneath this ridge a very warm and humid air mass resides and with ample sunshine again today, temperatures will soar into the mid to upper 90s. These hot temperatures, combined with dewpoints in the low to mid 70s, will create heat index values between 105-114 degrees across the region today. NWS Heat Risk highlights Level 3 of 4 (Major Risk) to Level 4 of 4 (Extreme Risk) across the region day. Thus, an Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect for the entire Tennessee Valley through 7 PM this afternoon. Please practice heat safety today -- stay hydrated, take frequent breaks from the heat, and never leave people or pets in vehicles!

In addition to the dangerous heat, a low to medium chance (20-40%) of afternoon thunderstorms will creep back into the forecast as a weak perturbation rounds the southern flank of the ridge into central Alabama. A few clusters of thunderstorms may develop during the afternoon/evening hours (2-8 PM). The storm environment is "custom made" for downbursts today, with very steep 0-3 km lapse rates of around 9 C/km, DCAPE values of 1300 J/kg, MLCAPE values of 4000 J/kg, PWATs around 2", and a pronounced inverted-v profile noted on model soundings. Thus, any storms that can develop may quickly become severe. As always, have multiple ways to get warnings, especially if you have outdoor 4plans.

SHORT TERM

(Wednesday Night through Friday Night) Issued at 1025 PM CDT Tue Jun 30 2026

The aforementioned upper pattern (upper ridge) will generally persist through Thursday, but gradually shift over the eastern seaboard and further flatten on Friday. Ripples of subtle upper shortwaves are shown by guidance to continue over the Southeast during this time as well. However, the surface high pressure over the Appalachians down into the north-central Gulf coast will persist. Therefore, hot conditions will continue Thursday and Friday, but perhaps not quite to Extreme Heat Warning level (but Heat Advisory level). Highs in the mid to upper 90s will continue (with lows in the 70s), with heat indices in the 100-110 degree range. NWS HeatRisk remains in the Major to Extreme categories and forecast WBGTs continue to reach the upper 80s to around 90 degrees. Therefore, while the current Heat Advisory is in effect through 7PM Thursday, would not be surprised if this is extended further through at least Friday. Continue practicing heat safety and stay weather aware if you have outdoor activities!

With the loss of daytime heating, expecting the thunderstorm activity to wane through Wednesday evening, with no rain overnight. This diurnal pattern, with afternoon/evening thunderstorms will then be the norm through late week. In addition, the downburst risk will remain high on Thursday, as the parameters mentioned in the Near Term are nearly identical in value. This coincides with a Marginal Risk of severe storms outlooked by the Storm Prediction Center for all of north Alabama and southern middle Tennessee. These downburst parameter values decrease somewhat for Friday, resulting in a continued risk, just perhaps not for high-end downbursts. This will be monitored. Overall, damaging winds will be the main threat with any downbursts Thursday and Friday, with frequent lightning, brief downpours, and some small hail also threats. Stay weather aware!

LONG TERM

(Saturday through Tuesday) Issued at 1025 PM CDT Tue Jun 30 2026

Bottom line up front, major to extreme heat concerns will persist into the holiday weekend as the region remains under a ridge of high pressure.

We have already been in the thick of the heatwave this week but let's continue to review heat safety: This holiday weekend you need to ensure that you and your family, friends, and pets are staying safe from the heat. Know the signs of heat illness, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. Hydrate with water, wear light colored clothing, seek shade or take breaks indoors, NEVER leave pets or people in vehicles, check in on young children and the elderly. More safety info can be found on our social media and website.

This weekend, the center of the ridge will shift a little eastward, but it will continue to dominate the TN Valley and the region. Saturday/July 4th, trends will be monitored closely to see if another heat product needs to be issued as highs will be in the low to mid 90s with nearly everyone feeling a heat index of 100 and some spots reaching a heat index of 105. Diurnal convection will persist with low chances (20-40%) in the afternoon and evening hours.

A shortwave will move across the Midwest on Sunday and through the OH Valley on Tuesday. It will create a sfc low that will tote a cold front with it. This will bring an increased chances of showers and thunderstorms. Look for medium chances on Sunday (40-60%), then medium to high chances on Monday (50-70%) and Tuesday (60-80%) as the front approaches the TN Valley. Widespread organized storms are not anticipated as there will be very weak to no wind shear, however forecast soundings show a good amount of CAPE, high PWATS, and good low level lapse rates. Therefore, there will be a heavy rain and wind risk with some of the storms. With the increase in cloud cover and rainfall chances, we will see a decrease in temps, with highs in the lower 90s on Sunday and in the upper 80s by Tuesday. Lows will remain anchored in the lower 70s.

AVIATION

(12Z TAFS) Issued at 547 AM CDT Wed Jul 1 2026

VFR conditions will be the predominant flight category at each terminal through the period. A low chance of TSRA is forecast this afternoon and have added PROB30 to account for this at both terminals between 21-01z. Should a TSRA impact either terminal, localized IFR/MVFR conditions may occur.

HUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

AL...Extreme Heat Warning until 7 PM CDT this evening for ALZ001>010- 016.

Heat Advisory from 7 PM this evening to 7 PM CDT Thursday for ALZ001>010-016.

TN...Extreme Heat Warning until 7 PM CDT this evening for TNZ076-096- 097.

Heat Advisory from 7 PM this evening to 7 PM CDT Thursday for TNZ076-096-097.