Temperatures in Hartselle and Morgan County are expected to surpass 100 degrees through at least Monday.

According to the National Weather Service in Huntsville temperatures are predicted to reach 101 in Hartselle on Thursday and 103 on Saturday. However, some forecasters have predicted highs of 106 on Saturday. The heat index could reach as high as 110 due to increased humidity this weekend.

Christina Crowe, forecaster with the weather service, said the heat wave is being caused by high pressure preventing clouds and storms from forming over the area and the drier than normal late spring and early summer. All of Morgan County has been classified as at least abnormally dry with the western half of the county being classified as a moderate drought.

“We don’t see many 100-degree days in June because we’ve usually had more moisture in the area,” Crowe said. “Normally, heat is more like stewing. This time, it’s more of a baking heat because the humidity is not as high.”

Temperatures are expected to dip below 100 by Tuesday as there is a slight chance of rain is in the forecast, but Crowe said there’s not much relief from the heat at this time.

“If there are any showers that form, they will be very isolated,” she added.

Crowe recommends that anyone who will be outside for extended periods of time drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and to take plenty of breaks to avoid heat exhaustion.

“You might want to trade your cokes and other drinks for water,” she said. “They tend to dehydrate you. So it’s best to drink water.”

Crowe also advised residents to take extra precautions when shooting fireworks over the Fourth of July holiday week.

“If you’re going to shoot fireworks, you need to be really careful so that you don’t accidentally start a fire,” Crowe said.