UPDATED: Rutherford County, TN - The "dog days of summer" aren’t just a phrase—they’re a full-blown reality this week in Rutherford County, as the summer sun scorches the region and pushes local temperatures (and tempers) to the limit. As the heatwave ramps up, AAA is sounding the alarm for Middle Tennessee drivers to protect their passengers, their pets, and their rides from potentially deadly consequences.

Local HEAT ADVISORY: The National Weather Service issued a HEAT ADVISORY on Saturday, July 26, 2025, that is in effect from 11 AM on Sunday until Wednesday night at 8 PM (July 27 - July 30, 2025). Heat index values are expected to go as high as 110 now through Wednesday afternoon. As a precaution, the weather service advised, "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors."

In Rutherford County, TN: Need a window unit AC or a box fan, but can't afford one? CLICK HERE for help or to help others in that situation. 

Pets Aren’t Heat-Proof: Local veterinarians and emergency responders are urging residents to never leave pets in parked vehicles. Even if it’s just for “a minute,” that "quick run into the store" could turn deadly. With temperatures outside hovering in the 90s, your car’s interior can skyrocket past 120°F in under ten minutes—even with cracked windows. Animal Services reports an increase in emergency calls during heat spikes, mostly involving pets left in vehicles while owners run errands.

Children at Risk: Tragedy Is Preventable Data from NoHeatStroke.org shows that since 1998, more than 1,000 children nationwide have died from heatstroke in vehicles. That number includes at least a handful of incidents reported across Tennessee in recent years. AAA encourages Rutherford County drivers to keep a “Baby in the Back” tag in their cars—available for free at the AAA office in Murfreesboro, 1970 Old Fort Parkway—to remind parents to always check the back seat.

Car Trouble Isn’t Just Inconvenient: AAA spokesperson Stephanie Milani warns that the Tennessee heat is especially brutal on engines and tires. Local mechanics say they’ve seen a spike in repairs as coolant systems struggle and batteries fail unexpectedly.

Here’s what Rutherford County drivers should watch for:

• Battery Drain: Batteries over 3 years old are especially vulnerable.
• Blowouts: Pavement temps pushing 150°F can weaken tires and cause bursts.
• Engine Stress: Your cooling system needs extra attention—flush coolant, check belts.
• Fluid Fade: Heat thins out essential fluids like oil, reducing protection and efficiency.

AAA’s Heat Survival Checklist:

• Park in shaded lots and use windshield sunshades.
• Check fluid levels weekly.
• Inspect tires before heading out—especially long road trips.
• Keep emergency water and supplies in the trunk.
• NEVER leave kids or pets in the car, not even “just for a second.”

“From the Square in Murfreesboro to Percy Priest Lake in LaVergne, to the Depot District in Smyrna--it’s all about common sense and prevention,” Milani said. “Heat might be unavoidable—but heartbreak doesn’t have to be.”