A HEAT ADVISORY will be in effect today for our western counties - Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, and Lawrence Counties.  It starts at noon and continues through 7 PM.  Afternoon temperatures will climb into the middle 90s and with the humidity, it's going to feel as hot as 107°.

If you HAVE to spend time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, hydrate beforehand.  If you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated.  It's also important to watch for the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

 - Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating.  Cold, pale, and clammy skin.  Fast, weak pulse.  Nausea or vomiting.  Muscle cramps.  Tiredness or weakness.  Dizziness.  Headache.

If the symptoms of heat exhaustion are left untreated, it can develop into heat stroke.  

- Heat Stroke: Throbbing headache.  Dizziness and light-headedness.  Lack of sweating despite the heat.  Red, hot, and dry skin.  Muscle weakness or cramps.  Nausea and vomiting.  Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak.  Rapid, shallow breathing.

Immediate medical attention is needed for an individual experiencing heat stroke.

Fortunately, there's a cool down on the horizon.  An approaching cold front on Monday and Tuesday will knock highs into the upper 80s for a couple of days.  Storm chances increase, however.  There's a 30% chance of rain today, rising to 50% by next Monday.