Football fans can expect steamy weather Saturday in Tuscaloosa as Kalen DeBoer makes his coaching debut at the University of Alabama.

James Spann, the chief meteorologist for ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, predicts temperatures in the upper 80s at 6 p.m. for the kickoff of the Alabama-Western Kentucky game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

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"... A brief shower or storm can't be ruled out during the first half, otherwise mostly fair with temperatures falling from near 89 degrees at kickoff to the upper 70s by the final whistle," Spann said in a social media post.

Fans taking part in pre-game tailgating activities can expect a high temperature in the mid-90s under mostly sunny skies, according to the National Weather Service in Birmingham. The forecast calls for a 40% chance of a shower or thunderstorm during the day and a 20% chance at night.

Daniel Martin of the National Weather Service says fans can expect a heat index -- that's what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature -- in the upper 90s before the game. The heat index will be in the mid-90s at kickoff time, falling to the low 80s by the game's conclusion.

The humidity will be around 50-60% at the start of the game, rising to 70-75% by the end of the game, Martin said. Sunset will be at 7:13 p.m.

The Tuscaloosa Emergency Management Agency advises wearing clothing that is lightweight, light colored and loose-fitting to cope with the heat. The EMA also advises that the best way to stay hydrated is to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine.

Guests at Bryant-Denny Stadium will be permitted to bring empty, non-glass bottles or cups into the venue. Those bottles or cups can be refilled at water monsters — large containers filled with cool water — which will be located throughout the stadium.

The water monsters have small paper cups or fans can fill their empty bottles or cups with water. Concession stands will offer plenty of soft drinks and bottled water for purchase.

There will also be fans, shaded seating, sunscreen, and first aid staff throughout the stadium.

More information can be found at uagameday.com.

Reach Ken Roberts at ken.roberts@tuscaloosanews.com.

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This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: How hot will it be in Tuscaloosa for Alabama football's home opener?