Heat index to top 100+ all week-long in Birmingham: How to stay safe

Reviewed by: Mary Helene Hall

Reading time: 2 minutes

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heat
(Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

The National Weather Service Birmingham Office is forecasting a week-long heat wave beginning today.

According to the latest forecast, the heat index in The Magic City will top 100+ degrees between Friday, June 26, and Saturday, July 4. 

730608564 879432335212716 2612759154377023193 n Heat index to top 100+ all week-long in Birmingham: How to stay safe
(National Weather Service Birmingham)

Tips to stay cool during a heat wave in Birmingham

These extreme temps are dangerous for vulnerable individuals, pets and those spending extended time outdoors.

Here are key tips to help you stay cool:

  • Slow down: Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. 
  • Dress for summer: Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
  • Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic fluids: Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.
  • Spend more time in air-conditioned places: Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. Spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air-conditioned environment affords some protection.

And don’t forget your pets!

Dogs
(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
  • Keep them hydrated: Refill their water bowls regularly, and ensure the water stays cool. 
  • Provide shade or bring them indoors: Limit outdoor time and avoid leaving pets in hot or unshaded areas.
  • Protect their paws: Hot concrete can cause painful burns

2026 cooling stations in Birmingham

Earlier this month, the City of Birmingham also designated several neighborhood cooling stations for local residents.

They include:

  • Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place
    • Monday and Wednesday-Saturday: 9AM-6PM 
    • Tuesday 9AM-8PM  
  • Faith Chapel Care Center, 921 2nd Ave. North
    • Tuesday, Thursday + Saturday 8:30AM-12:30PM 
  • Pathways, 409 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North
    • Monday-Friday 9AM-3PM
  • Firehouse Ministries, 626 2nd Ave. North
    • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday + Sunday, 2–5PM 
  • North Birmingham Library, 2501 31st Ave. N
    • Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM
    • Tuesday 9AM- 8PM 
  • Fitness Center, 421 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd
    • Monday-Friday 5:30AM-7:30PM
    • Saturday 8AM-1PM
  • Five Points West Library, 4812 Ave. W.
    • Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM 
  • One Roof, 730 8th Ave. West
    • Daily 9AM-4PM
  • Harrison Recreation Center, 901 17th St SW
    • Monday-Wednesday noon–5:30PM
    • Thursday 9:30AM-5:30PM
    • Friday noon-5:30PM
  • Southside Library, 1814 11th Ave. South
    • Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM
  • Woodlawn Library, 5709 1st Ave. N
    • Mondays-Fridays 9AM-6PM

What do you do to stay cool during a heat wave? Tell us in the comment section by tagging us at @bhamnow

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Pat Byington
Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.

Articles: 3253

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