By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

The National Weather Service in Calera is warning of “intense heat” and near-record temperatures throughout the next several days.

As of June 29, the NWS had placed all of Shelby County under a heat advisory until 9 p.m. on June 30. However, NWS officials said the advisory “will likely be extended through at least Sunday.”

“An intense heat wave with near record-high temperatures will continue today, with temperatures climbing to near potentially dangerous levels across central Alabama,” the NWS wrote in a weather advisory bulletin. “The heat wave will last into the weekend as a large upper level ridge of high pressure moves into the region.”

The NWS predicted temperatures to rise as high as 104 degrees on June 29 and as high as 105 degrees the afternoon of June 30.

“Prolonged exposure to this heat can be dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken,” read the bulletin.

NWS officials encouraged residents to “take extra precautions” when spending time outside, such as rescheduling strenuous work to morning or evening hours, wearing light and loose-fitting clothing and drinking “plenty of water.”

“Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location,” read the bulletin. “Heat stroke is an emergency. Call 911.”

The NWS forecast temperatures to be “slightly lower Monday through Wednesday,” but warned low-level moisture will rise and drive the heat index up. The increased heat index could prompt another heat advisory, according to the NWS.