Extreme Heat and Storms Ravage Alabama, Urgent Safety Measures Advised

Intense heat, air quality alerts, and a chance for storms are expected in central Alabama for the rest of the week leading up to the Fourth of July weekend. Near-record temperatures in the 100s and a heat index close to 110 degrees are forecasted. Code orange air quality alerts are in effect for Jefferson and Shelby counties, and excessive heat warnings have been issued for multiple counties. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management advises sensitive groups to limit time outside and take precautions to reduce ground-level ozone.