Hot and dangerous heat levels across Alabama this Thursday
Thursday, July 18 – ALABAMA – A blistering hot and humid day is underway across much of Alabama, with high temperatures reaching the mid 90s (93–96°F / 34–36°C). But it’s not just the air temperature that’s concerning—heat index values are soaring between 100°F and 107°F (38–42°C) statewide. For the northern two-thirds of Alabama, this places conditions well into the danger range, triggering an ongoing Heat Advisory for parts of West and North Alabama.
Meanwhile, for areas in South Alabama, the Heat Advisory threshold is higher—heat indices of 108°F (42°C) or greater are required before the National Weather Service issues alerts.
Stay alert to symptoms of heat-related illnesses, especially during peak afternoon hours. It’s worth remembering: heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States every year.
Storm relief possible but scattered
The only potential break from the oppressive heat today will come in the form of scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms, driven by increased tropical moisture moving through the northern Gulf. Rain chances are slightly higher today and Friday, ranging from 40% to 60%, especially in southern Alabama. These storms may be random and isolated, but they could bring brief, localized cooling. Friday’s high temperatures are forecast to drop slightly into the lower 90s (89–92°F / 32–33°C) thanks to increased cloud cover and higher rain probabilities.
Birmingham almanac for July 17
On this date, Birmingham’s historical average high is 91°F (33°C) and the average low is 72°F (22°C). The record high stands at a sweltering 105°F (41°C), set back in 1980, while the record low of 60°F (16°C) was recorded in 2014. On average, 0.19 inches of precipitation falls on this date, but the daily record is 1.74 inches, set in 1916.
In the tropics: Invest 93L fading, but rain lingers
Invest 93L, a broad low-pressure system situated just south of the Mississippi coastline, continues to slide westward, but the chance for development is decreasing rapidly. The shower and thunderstorm activity remains disorganized, mostly located to the west and southwest of the center. While there’s still a low 30% chance of formation into a tropical depression before it moves inland into Louisiana, time is running out.
Regardless of development, this system is already producing heavy rainfall and could lead to localized flash flooding along the north-central Gulf Coast, including parts of Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle, through Friday.
Across the USA: Heat, floods, and storms
An active weather pattern continues across the continental U.S., with a slow-moving cold front stretching from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic into the central Plains, generating a mix of severe weather and flash flooding. The Central Gulf Coast remains a hot spot for heavy rainfall, while widespread extreme heat affects the East Coast, Southeast, Ohio Valley, and the Lower Mississippi Valley. This heat dome is intensifying the already dangerous heat conditions for tens of millions.
Looking ahead: Summer pattern holds through next week
As we move toward the weekend and beyond, Alabama will stay under the grip of a classic summer setup—sunshine during the morning hours, followed by scattered afternoon storms. These are airmass thunderstorms, triggered by strong daytime heating and high humidity, typically forming between 1 p.m. and 10 p.m.
High temperatures this weekend will remain in the low 90s (90–93°F / 32–34°C), and the overall pattern is unlikely to shift significantly next week. This is the heart of what meteorologists refer to as the “Dog Days of Summer,” when weather patterns become stagnant and heat feels unrelenting.
However, by next week, an upper ridge is forecast to build over the Deep South, bringing sinking air, which leads to increased heating. This will push highs into the mid to upper 90s (95–98°F / 35–37°C) and lower the rain chances to 20%–30%, though storms are still possible thanks to high instability fueled by dew points in the low to mid 70s°F (21–24°C).
Dog Days of Summer: Ancient origins, modern relevance
The phrase “Dog Days of Summer” stems from ancient Greek and Roman beliefs, referring to the stretch from July 3 to August 11, when Sirius—the Dog Star—rises just before the Sun. Ancient civilizations believed the combination of Sirius and solar heat produced the season’s most oppressive weather. Associated with drought, sickness, and irritability, the Dog Days were seen as a cursed period.
Today, while the astrological connection has faded, the term still resonates to describe the suffocating heat and exhaustion of late July and early August.
Beach conditions: Dangerous rip currents persist
From Dauphin Island to Panama City, life-threatening rip currents continue to create hazardous conditions along the Gulf Coast. Swimmers—regardless of experience—are urged to stay out of the water, as local authorities monitor and enforce beach safety through flag warning systems. These conditions are expected to ease slightly to a moderate risk by Saturday and Sunday, but extreme caution remains necessary.
It’s worth noting: rip currents are the leading cause of weather-related fatalities along the Alabama and Northwest Florida coastlines, areas monitored by National Weather Service offices in Mobile and Tallahassee.
