Through Labor Day weekend in Alabama, afternoon temperatures will remain in the mid-to-upper 90s, with the heat index exceeding 100 degrees.
This late-summer spike mirrors intense heat waves felt nationwide:
- Temperatures across Alabama ran up to 5°F warmer than August 2025, driving cooling demand up as much as 40%.
- Areas of the state hit 90°F or higher on 27 of 31 days this month, a level of sustained heat not seen since 2011.
- Birmingham experienced its third-hottest August in the past 15 years.
David Huffstutler, Power Delivery data analytics manager for Alabama Power. (contributed)
"Behind every weather statistic are Alabama families and businesses working to stay cool during an exceptionally hot summer," said David Huffstutler, Power Delivery data analytics manager for Alabama Power. "The information our teams track helps us understand how high temperatures affect energy use across the state, so we can proactively operate and maintain the grid, respond quickly to issues and keep power flowing when customers need it most."
Below are some factors to keep in mind and ways to help reduce energy use:
What are the biggest energy wasters in most homes during extreme heat?
Air conditioning is the biggest driver of summer energy use. Dirty air filters, air leaks around doors and windows, and sunlight heating the home can make your AC work even harder.
Where should the thermostat realistically be set in a heat wave?
A good rule of thumb is to keep the thermostat as close to the outdoor temperature as possible while still staying comfortable, since every degree cooler requires the air conditioner to work harder and use more energy. Raising the thermostat 2-3 degrees could lower energy usage by up to 10%.
What's the one quick change that could make the biggest payoff?
Check and replace a dirty air filter if needed. It's simple, inexpensive and helps the cooling system operate more efficiently during the hottest months.
For the full list of ways to beat the heat and save, visit this article on alabamapower.com.
