Weather experts say brutal midsummer temperatures will continue to batter the region for the next week or more – and that means Alabamians need to take care in the high heat.

“It will be continued heat across Alabama and the entire Southeast,” said Kristina Sumrall, National Weather Service (NWS) Observing Program Manager, Birmingham Office.

With a slightly better chance of rain through Sunday, the showers will offer a small reprieve to some communities. Bottom line: Sumrall predicts mid-90s heat for quite some time.

Ron Parsons from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Some Alabama locations have already cracked the 100-degree mark, while the heat index has been well above 100 in many communities. Despite the high temperatures – and the higher use of electricity that they drive – Alabama Power has had no issues in meeting customer demand, said Ron Parsons, general manager for Transmission Interconnections and Operations – Alabama Power Control Center.

“We plan ahead for these conditions,” Parsons said, with the company using forecasting models and tools to ensure that resources are available to more than meet customers’ needs during times when energy demand is at its highest – not only during the dog days of summer, but during winter cold snaps.

Consider taking a safety ‘siesta’       

As long as extremely hot days continue, residents need to spend more time indoors and avoid taking chances with their health, advised Sumrall, who has worked with the NWS for 21 years. Drinking plenty of water is important, as well as avoiding caffeine and alcohol, she said. Sumrall recommends avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest hours of the day; for instance, mow the lawn in the early morning or early evening.

“Heat tends to be an accumulated stressor, so the longer you go in these high temperatures, the more likely it is that you could enter the danger zone for heat exhaustion,” Sumrall said. “It’s amazing how quickly it can happen. You need to frequently check on children and the elderly, as well as pets.”

Six ways to stay cool and save 

With demand for energy running high, summer electricity bills tend to be higher, even though Alabama Power’s total retail price is well below the national average.

Electricity bills – not the price of electricity – tend to be higher in Alabama than many states because Alabamians choose electricity for both cooling and heating, as well as water heating, lighting and all the other things that require electricity. For example, Alabamians are among the biggest users in the nation of electric heat pumps, which provide both cooling and heating.

To help beat the heat and enjoy lower energy bills this summer, try these energy-savers:

• Turn up the thermostat and use floor or ceiling fans to make it feel cooler.
• Seal gaps in floors, doors and windows to save up to 10 percent on your energy bill, and prevent moisture issues and drafts.
• Close drapes during the day, and consider applying window film to minimize heat.
• Clean and identify “energy vampires” in your home: electronics, power strips and other devices that are left on when not in use.
• Ensure the outdoor air conditioner unit is free of leaves and other debris.
• Clean or replace air-conditioning filters.

For more energy-saving tips, visit Alabama Power.