Extreme heat is set to overtake our area beginning Thursday and continuing through the weekend. A Heat Advisory has been issued for Sumter, Marengo, Greene, Hale, and Pickens counties in West Alabama. Hot high pressure building from the Plains is going to bring the heat with it. The high pressure began ridging over our area today, bringing temperatures to 99 degrees at Meridian Regional Airport. As the high pressure continues building and locks into place, temperatures will only grow warmer. In addition, the sinking air associated with high pressure will prevent any significant cloud cover as well as any rain for our area. Humidity will also begin returning to our area and will bring about heat index readings of up to 110 degrees on the hottest days. Remember to stay hydrated and eat well so your body has the energy to combat this heat. Outdoor pets need shade and plenty of cool water and food. Temperatures will be near record highs through Sunday before the heat backs off just a bit. The rain chance stays minimal even into early next week, when the chance returns for at least pop-up afternoon showers.

Tonight will be clear. Evening temperatures will cool from the 90's into the 70's. The low will be near 65. The wind will be light and from the south. Tomorrow will be sunny. The high will be near 100. The wind will be from the west/southwest at 2-6 mph. Friday will be sunny. The morning low will be near 68. The afternoon high will be near 101. Saturday will be mostly sunny. The morning low will be near 69. The afternoon high will be near 102. Sunday will be mostly sunny. The morning low will be near 72. The afternoon high will be near 100. Monday will be partly cloudy with a small chance for a pop-up shower in the afternoon. The morning low will be near 71. The afternoon high will be near 98. Tuesday will be partly cloudy with a small chance for a pop-up shower in the afternoon. The morning low will be near 72. The afternoon high will be near 97. Wednesday will be partly cloudy with a small chance for a pop-up shower in the afternoon. The morning low will be near 71. The afternoon high will be near 96.