A Few Storms Later Today

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RAINDROPS POSSIBLE: The last time we had measurable rain was two weeks ago, back on September 27, when 0.21″ was measured at the Birmingham Airport. Looks like the long dry spell could end later today as an upper trough brings a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms to our state. The key word here is “scattered”, which means not everybody will see rain. But, a few strong storms are possible, mainly over West Alabama this evening, and a few lucky folks might see 1/2 inch of rain with those stronger storms. But, generally speaking rain amounts will be light and spotty.

SPC maintains a standard slight risk of severe weather for all of Mississippi later today, and the extreme western part of Alabama, mainly along and west of Alabama Highway 17. The prime risk will come from hail and strong straight line winds thanks to the colder air aloft. The storms should weaken as the sun goes down and they move into Alabama… we don’t expect a major severe weather issue here. But, you know the deal… when it comes to thunderstorms, expect the unexpected so we will be watching radar trends with interest. The main window for scattered showers and storms will come from about 2:00 p.m. today until 2:00 a.m. tomorrow.

TOMORROW THROUGH FRIDAY: The weather turns much cooler. Tomorrow will be partly sunny with a high around 80, but by Thursday and Friday highs will be in the 71 to 75 degree range with a fresh north breeze. We drop well down into the 40s early Friday morning, and the colder valleys could see a low in the upper 30s.

WONDERFUL WEEKEND AHEAD: Some fantastic fall weather is likely for Saturday and Sunday, with a cloudless sky, highs in the 70s, and lows in the 40s. Just about perfect for football or anything else you want to do outdoors.

NEXT WEEK AND BEYOND: Watch the Weather Xtreme video and you will see the GFS is painting a cold look for the eastern half of the nation in the October 21-28 time frame with a deep upper trough setting up. If the model is correct, frost will be likely on a number of mornings in this period with potential for a freeze as well. Stay tuned.

PAULA IN NO HURRY: Hurricane Paula is packing sustained winds of 75 mph this morning over the far western Caribbean. Steering currents are weak, and the system will just hang around that region for the next five days. Drier air moving in from the north and strong shear should bring a weakening trend in about 3 to 5 days, and it some point this could move east/northeast out into the Atlantic. It seems to be no threat to the Central Gulf Coast. The rest of the Atlantic basin is relatively quiet.

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I will be in Leeds this morning speaking to the senior adults at Leeds First Baptist Church… look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 3:30 this afternoon. Enjoy the day!

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