textproduct: Huntsville

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 850 PM CDT Fri Aug 28 2026

- Dangerous heat will return early next week and will tend to intensify through the week with heat indices approaching or exceeding 100 degrees.

- There are low chances for thunderstorms each day mainly from Sunday afterward, and especially in higher terrain areas during the afternoons.

NEAR TERM

(Rest of tonight and Saturday) Issued at 850 PM CDT Fri Aug 28 2026

Mostly clear skies and light winds have prevailed this evening as current satellite shows an axis of higher moisture positioned to our southeast and only a few mid to high clouds drifting over the area. Dry conditions are forecast tonight with a low chance for patchy fog mainly in sheltered and river valley areas across NE AL and southern middle TN. Overnight lows will fall to the mid to upper 60s, making it the coolest night in the 7 day forecast. Enjoy the "nicer" temperatures tonight before our next heat wave moves in!

High pressure will remain dominant amid an amplifying upper ridge leading to dry but warming conditions as we head through the weekend. Highs tomorrow will top out in the low to mid 90s with the warmest temperatures expected west of I-65. With limited moisture, expect few to scattered diurnal cu but still plenty of sunshine for those spending time outdoors. Be sure to wear light, breathable clothing and stay hydrated when spending time out in the heat.

SHORT TERM

(Saturday night through Monday) Issued at 850 PM CDT Fri Aug 28 2026

The short term forecast will change little as the synoptic pattern favors a strong upper high/ridging centering closer to the region. As H85 heights rise, so will our temperatures each day with mid 90s highs becoming more widespread over the area. The good news is that the southerly Gulf fetch is not as strong with this wave and moisture/humidity will not be quite as high. This will keep thunderstorm chances capped at 20-30% or below each day, mainly over NE AL. Heat indices will climb to the 99-105 degree range which will pose a risk for heat related illness especially for those more susceptible to heat. Right now the coverage of heat indices at or above 105 degrees looks a bit more limited and we have no current plans to issue any Heat Advisories, but that could change as we get closer to next week. Be sure to stay tuned for updates and always follow heat safety guidelines!

LONG TERM

(Monday night through Friday) Issued at 850 PM CDT Fri Aug 28 2026

By the start of the long term, ridging will be centered over the TN Valley. This will be paired with high pressure over the eastern CONUS at the surface. The high pressure will work to keep rain chances low and set temps on a warming trend. Highs look to warm from the low 90s back to the high 90s by the end of the week. Surface high pressure will induce weak ESE flow which will gradually return dew points to the 70s. While we will have to keep and eye on trends, models currently keep dew points in the low 70s which will work in our favor to keep heat indices below Heat Advisory criteria (105F). Under ESE flow, dew points look highest in NE AL. As such, low chances (20% or less) for terrain enhanced showers are forecast each afternoon. Without any widespread forcing for clouds and rain, heat will be our primary concern through the long term forecast. Make sure to check back for updates and continue to practice proper heat safety.

AVIATION

(00Z TAFS) Issued at 621 PM CDT Fri Aug 28 2026

VFR conditions are forecast through the TAF period with light/var winds and mostly clear skies. While some patchy fog may develop tonight, confidence is not high enough to include in TAFs at this time.

CLIMATE

Issued at 230 PM CDT Fri Aug 28 2026

Moderate Risk for Much Above Normal Temperatures:

The Climate Prediction Center has included northern Alabama and southern Middle Tennessee in a Moderate Risk for Much Above Normal Temperatures for September 5th and 6th. There is a 40-60% chance for temperatures above 95 degrees F and heat index values exceeding 105 degrees F 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...None. TN...None.