Dry and Sunny Today; Some Heat Ahead

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After another nice start to the day with temperatures in the 60s we should see plenty of sunshine allowing afternoon highs to reach the lower 90s. But it should remain dry. However, moisture will be on the increase as we see dew points climb back toward 70 degrees with the possibility of isolated storms for Sunday.

An upper level short wave traversing the Ohio River Valley will dip far enough south to pick up the shower potential for Monday and early Tuesday. Once that short wave passes an upper level ridge will build across the Southeast US from Tuesday through Saturday. This could potentially bring us some of the hottest weather of the summer of 2014 so far. Highs at least in the mid 90s with the upper 90s possible. With moisture levels up but not especially high, we will need to include the possibility of isolated storms for the latter part of the week, but it is likely that most of us stay dry until the upper ridge moves west of us around Saturday.

Tropics remain relatively quiet. A disturbance in the vicinity of the Cape Verde Island showed some organization and a tropical depression could form. However, after passing the Cape Verde Islands, conditions are much less favorable for additional development.

For beach goers, today will be just great, but as we get into Sunday through midweek, you can expect elevated rain chances. The upper ridge will bring back nearly perfect conditions for beach for the latter half of the week. Expect hot and humid conditions with several hours of sun each day. Rain chances through midweek will be around 40 to 50 percent. After that, 20 percent will be about the average. Water temperatures are running in the middle 80s at Dauphin Island Sea Lab.

Looking into Week 2, the GFS is bullish on the idea of a broad ridge centered over the Central Plains and big enough to keep us in some August heat. This is sure different from the pattern we’ve been seeing since early July, so we’ll watch and see what unfolds.

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I expect to have the next Weather Xtreme Video posted first thing on Sunday morning. Enjoy the warm and dry day and Godspeed.

-Brian-

Category: Alabama's Weather