Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
100° temps are coming to Birmingham this weekend: How to stay safe
Reading time: 4 minutes
Another heatwave arrives this weekend as some areas across the Greater Birmingham Area are expected to reach triple digits with heat indices up to 110°.
The National Weather Service Birmingham has issued a heat advisory for much of the state with temperatures expected to rise from Friday, August 14 through Monday, August 17, 2026.
Keep reading to see the latest forecasts and tips on how to stay safe in the heat.
Extreme heat warnings in Birmingham
The heat index, or what the temperature actually feels like outside, will reach triple digits across Alabama for several days in a row.
In the Birmingham area, expect:
- Friday, Aug. 14: Heat index up to 109°
- Saturday, Aug. 15: Heat index around 108°
- Sunday, Aug. 16: Heat index around 109°
- Monday, Aug. 17: Heat index up to 110°
That means even though actual temperatures will be in the upper 90s, it could feel as hot as 110° during the afternoon hours.
How to stay safe in Birmingham’s heat
A few simple steps can make a big difference when temperatures soar. Here are some to follow:
- Slow down: Reschedule strenuous outdoor activities for the coolest parts of the day when possible.
- Drink up: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Dress for summer: Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
- Take breaks: Spend time somewhere cool or air conditioned if you start feeling overheated.
- Limit direct sun: Look for shade + take regular breaks from the heat.
- Pack smart: If you’re bringing food outside, use a cooler or ice pack to keep perishable foods cold.
- Check on others: Keep an eye on children, older adults + anyone who may be especially vulnerable to extreme heat.
- Don’t forget the pets: Make sure pets have plenty of water + a cool place to rest.
- Never leave anyone in a car: This includes children, older adults + pets. Cars can heat up dangerously fast, even when the windows are cracked. See hot car safety tips with Children’s of Alabama.
Know the signs of heat-related illness
Hot weather can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion and, in severe cases, heat stroke.
Stay alert to these warning signs and act quickly:
- Heat cramps
- Watch for: Painful muscle cramps or spasms, often in the legs or abdomen, along with heavy sweating.
- What to do: Move to a cooler place, gently massage the cramped muscle and offer small sips of water if the person isn’t nauseated.
- Act fast: Seek medical attention if cramps last longer than an hour.
- Heat exhaustion
- Watch for: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, cool or clammy skin, muscle cramps or fainting.
- What to do: Move the person somewhere cool, loosen clothing and apply cool, wet cloths. Offer small sips of water.
- Act fast: If symptoms worsen, last longer than an hour or the person begins vomiting, seek medical attention.
- Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a medical emergency!
- Watch for: Confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, dizziness, severe headache, a body temperature of 103°F or higher, hot skin and a rapid, strong pulse.
- What to do: Call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cool, preferably air-conditioned place and work to lower their body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath while waiting for emergency help. Do not give fluids to someone experiencing heat stroke.
Whether you’re spending the weekend at a Birmingham park, cheering on a youth sports team or simply trying to survive the walk from your car to the grocery store, take the heat seriously.
Keep an eye on the latest forecast from the National Weather Service Birmingham and plan your outdoor time accordingly.
