Strong Storms Moving Southward
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THIS AFTERNOON: The core of the upper ridge is centered west of Alabama this afternoon, and we are in a northerly flow aloft on the eastern periphery of that high. The “ring of fire” effect is producing strong storms over Alabama moving from north to south, and the NWS has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Colbert and Lauderdale Counties in Northwest Alabama as I write this. That one is producing hundreds of ground strokes, and has potential for wet microbursts along the path.
Away from the storms, temperatures are mostly in the mid 90s. Birmingham is at 95 degrees at 3:00 with a heat index of 102. But, where the rain is falling, temperatures are in the 70s.
TOMORROW AND THE WEEKEND: I stress there isn’t much skill in forecasting placement and coverage afternoon storms on summer days in Alabama far in advance. There is always the chance of a strong storm blowing up on a hot afternoon. Having said that, the GFS and the NAM are relatively dry tomorrow and Saturday with highs in the mid to upper 90s. Moisture levels increase a bit Sunday with a better chance of afternoon showers and storms.
NEXT WEEK: Hot is the word; the GFS is printing highs in the 96 to 99 degree range for the first half of the week; later the heat bubble shifts to the west with heat levels lowering here a bit along with a better chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. I think our adequate soil moisture levels will prevent the mercury from getting over 100 and into record territory, but no doubt it going to be hot.
TROPICS: I really do believe the emphasis will shift from the heat to the tropics as we get deeper into August. NHC is monitoring two tropical waves in the Atlantic; one near the Windward Islands, and another one midway between the Lesser Antilles and the coast of Africa. Both have low probabilities of development, but as upper winds become more favorable in coming weeks; the tropical satellite images will look like whack-a-mole maps with tropical issues all over the board. See the Weather Xtreme video for more.
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July 29th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
All I can say that as an Alabama native now in Georgia is that as soon as I retire I am getting the heck out of the south….I hate the heat! I work outside all year long and despise the summers….All you haters try it sometime. It might just change your opinion….
July 29th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Hey James-
Several times these past few weeks you have said that it is hot outside but that is expected in Alabama. I live here in Atlanta and I have family in South Ga. This seems to be the hottest summer I have seen in quiet sometime. Several heat related deaths have been reported in South Ga and that is something I have not heard of much if any at all. Would you agree that this summer has been a rough summer with regards to heat as compared to previous years? I know Atlanta’s average max high is 90 degrees and I would argue we have not seen an average high of 90 or below since the 4th of July and even before the 4th, late June was pretty hot as well.
If you agree these temperatures are little higher this summer that in previous years, what would be the cause? I’m assuming La’Nina but I figured I would let you respond if you have a little time.
Thanks!!
July 29th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Another day of watching the rain on radar either fizzle out or sidestep my part of Hoover. I have only recived .20 of rain in July. This is getting ridiculous.
July 29th, 2010 at 4:59 pm
I love summer times, it is why I live in the south..
Man I really wished ya’ll would consider going back to the old website it was alot better, espically the radars…..
Everyone have a blessed day!
God Bless!!!