Heat wave brings dangerous triple-digit heat index to Mobile Bay: How to stay cool

Reviewed by: Mary Helene Hall

Reading time: 5 minutes

IMG 8414 Heat wave brings dangerous triple-digit heat index to Mobile Bay: How to stay cool

Alabama is experiencing a heat wave this week, with temperatures in Mobile and Baldwin County reaching the mid-to-upper 90s. Add in Mobile’s infamous humidity, and we’re looking at ‘feels like’ temperatures as high as 112° according to AccuWeather.

Yesterday, June 29, the high reached 93°, which felt like 111° with the humidity.

Here’s what this week is looking like for Mobile:

  • Tuesday, June 30:
    • High: 96° | Low: 73°
    • High feels like: 110°
    • Max UV index: 10.0 (Very High)
  • Wednesday, July 1:
    • High: 91° | Low: 72°
    • High feels like: 108°
    • Max UV index: 12.0 (Extreme)
  • Thursday, July 2:
    • High: 93° | Low: 75°
    • High feels like: 110°
    • Max UV index: 10.0 (Very High)
  • Friday, July 3:
    • High: 93° | Low: 74°
    • High feels like: 112°
    • Max UV index: 12.0 (Extreme)
  • Saturday, July 4:
    • High: 92° | Low: 76°
    • High feels like: 108°
    • Max UV index: 8.0 (Very High)
  • Sunday, July 5:
    • High: 90° | Low: 77°
    • High feels like: 108°
    • Max UV index: 9.0 (Very High)

Keep reading for tips on how + where to stay cool in the Gulf Coast’s heat!

Tips to keep cool during the heat wave

  • Slow down:
    • Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day.
    • Children, seniors and anyone with health concerns should stay in the coolest available place, which isn’t always indoors
  • Dress for summer:
    • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat.
  • Eat light:
    • Choose easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads.
      • If you pack food, put it in a cooler or carry an ice pack. Meats and dairy products can spoil quickly in hot weather.
  • Drink plenty of water:
    • Focus on non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids. Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
      • If you’re on a fluid-restrictive diet or have a problem with fluid retention, consult a physician before increasing consumption of fluids.
  • Use air conditioners:
    • Spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries if your home isn’t air conditioned.
  • Use portable electric fans:
    • Fans exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air. Do not direct the flow of portable electric fans toward yourself when room temperatures are hotter than 90°F.
  • Minimize direct exposure to the sun:
    • Sunburn reduces your body’s ability to dissipate heat. Take a cool bath or shower.
  • Do not take salt tablets:
    • Only take salt tablets if recommended by a physician.
  • Be aware of infants, older, sick or frail people and pets:
    • Never leave children, disabled adults or pets in a car.

Places to stay cool in Mobile

Cooling centers

The City of Mobile’s community centers will work as cooling centers for those needing to beat the heat. All centers will be open during their regularly scheduled business hours.

  • Harmon – Thomas Community Center & Park
    • Location: 1611 Belfast Street, Mobile, AL 36605
    • Hours: Mon-Fri, 11AM-8PM | Closed Sat. + Sun.
  • Hillsdale Community Center & Park
    • Location: 558 E. Felhorn Road, Mobile, AL 36608
    • Hours: Mon-Fri, 9AM-7PM | Closed Sat. + Sun.
  • James Seals Community Center & Park
    • Location: 540 Texas St, Mobile, AL 36603
    • Hours: Mon-Fri, 9AM-7PM | Closed Sat. + Sun.
  • Joseph C. Dotch Community Center & Park
    • Location: 3100 Bank Ave, Mobile, AL 36617
    • Hours: Mon-Fri, 9AM-7PM | Open all day Sat. | Closed Sun.
  • Laun Community Center & Park
    • Location: 5401 Windmill Drive, Mobile, AL 36693
    • Hours: Mon-Fri, 11AM-7PM | Closed Sat. + Sun.
  • Michael A. Figures Community Center & Park
    • Location: 658 Donald St C, Mobile, AL 36617
    • Hours: Mon-Fri, 11AM-7PM | Closed Sat. + Sun.
  • Robert Hope Community Center
    • Location: 850 Edwards St, Mobile, AL 36610
    • Hours: Mon-Fri, 11AM-7PM | Closed Sat. + Sun.
  • Springhill Fitness & Community Center
    • Location: 1151 Spring Hill Ave, Mobile, AL 36604
    • Hours: Mon-Fri, 9AM-7PM | Closed Sat. + Sun.
  • Taylor Park
    • Location: 1050 Baltimore St, Mobile, AL 36605
    • Hours: All week, 8AM-5PM
  • Thomas Sullivan Community Center & Park
    • Location: 351 N Catherine St, Mobile, AL 36603
    • Hours: Mon-Fri, 8AM-8PM | Closed Sat. + Sun.

Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe, Fairhope + Mobile

Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe has been serving ice cream to Mobile since 1998. With three locations across the Mobile Bay area, stopping by Cammie’s is a great way to support local while keeping cool.

  • Old Shell Road, Mobile shop:
    • Location: 2511 Old Shell Road, Mobile AL, 36607
    • Hours: Tues-Sat, noon-9PM | Sun, 1-9PM
  • Halls Mill Road, Mobile shop:
    • Location: 4380 Halls Mill Road Mobile AL 36693
    • Hours: Tues-Sat, noon-5:30PM | Sun, 1-5:30PM
  • Highway 24, Fairhope shop:
    • Location: 9555 Highway 24, Fairhope, AL 36532
    • Hours: Tues-Thurs, noon-8PM | Fri-Sat, noon-9PM | Sun, 1-8PM | Closed Mon.

Mr. Gene’s Beans Ice Cream, Fairhope

IMG 8508 Heat wave brings dangerous triple-digit heat index to Mobile Bay: How to stay cool
Mr. Gene’s Beans has been a Fairhope staple since its 1993 establishment. (Mobile Bay Now)

Mr. Gene’s Beans is beloved in Fairhope for its sweet treats and even sweeter staff. Grab a cold Fairhope Float (the shop’s signature drink) or a scoop of ice cream and enjoy their A/C!

  • Location: 302 De La Mare Ave, Fairhope, AL 36532
  • Hours: Mon-Thurs, 10AM-9PM | Fri-Sat, 10AM-10PM | Sun, noon-8PM
  • More Info
Ella Walton
Ella Walton
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