MCHD urges residents to “cool it” this week 06-30-26
June 30, 2026
MCHD urges residents to “cool it” this week
MOBILE, Ala. — Summer heat is settling in for the week, and forecasters expect hot, humid afternoons with highs in the mid‑90s and heat index values climbing into the 103 degree to 107 degree range across southwest Alabama, with a few spots nearing 108 to 110. Isolated afternoon and early evening thunderstorms may bring brief downpours, lightning, and gusty winds, but they will not provide long‑lasting relief from the heat.
The Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) is reminding residents that heat exhaustion and heat stroke can strike quickly during outdoor work, exercise, sports, yard work, and other activities in hot weather. Prolonged exposure or strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day can turn a routine day outside into a medical emergency.
“Heat injury is serious, but it is also preventable,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “With heat indices over 100 this week, small steps like drinking water, taking cooling breaks, and planning around the hottest hours of the day can protect you, your family, and your coworkers.”
MCHD encourages residents to build a “heat safety routine” into each day this week:
- Drink water often, not just when thirsty; OSHA advises workers in hot conditions to drink about 8 ounces every 20 minutes.
- Take breaks in the shade or in air conditioning and avoid overexertion during peak heat in the late morning and afternoon hours.
- Wear lightweight, loose‑fitting, light‑colored clothing to help the body stay cooler.
- Check on older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions, and those who work outdoors, since they may be at higher risk from extreme heat.
- Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a short time; temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to life‑threatening levels.
Residents should follow local forecasts, plan outdoor activities for earlier in the morning or later in the evening when possible, and watch for early symptoms of heat exhaustion such as heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, or dizziness before they become emergencies. Anyone showing signs of heat stroke — confusion, loss of consciousness, or hot, dry skin — needs immediate medical attention.
Check local heat conditions with the CDC Heat Risk Dashboard in the MCHD smartphone app. The dashboard provides a color-coded, 7-day forecast showing the level of health risk for your area.
To find it, open the app, select More, then choose CDC Heat Risk Dashboard.
Don’t have the app? Download for free in the App Store or Google Play by searching “My MCHD Health Check” or visit: https://apps.myocv.com/share/a65536603.