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Strong Storms Possible Later Today/Tonight

| July 14, 2015 @ 6:42 am

ON THE MAPS: An upper high is anchored over Texas and Oklahoma this morning, and the “ring of fire” effect is in full force, with areas of storms rotating clockwise around the big anti-cyclone. Strong storms this morning are moving down through East Kentucky, Northeast Tennessee, and the western part of North Carolina; these won’t effect Alabama.

Our day will be hot, hazy, and humid… most communities reach the mid 90s again this afternoon with dew points up in the 70s, making the heat rather oppressive.

ACTIVE STORMS POSSIBLE: The guys at SPC (the Storm Prediction Center) maintain an “enhanced” severe weather risk for the northeast corner of Alabama, with the standard “slight” risk down to Birmingham, and a “marginal” risk down into the southern counties of the state for this afternoon and tonight.

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Storms will begin to form across the northern third of Alabama this afternoon, and the door will remain open for active weather tonight as the heat ridges shifts to the west, and a northerly flow aloft sets up the risk of storms to move into our state from Tennessee.

The primary threat from the stronger storms will come from gusty winds; a wet microburst or two is possible (localized areas of strong straight line winds capable of knocking down trees and power lines). Small hail is possible as well, and of course, all summer storms pack some very vivid lightning.

High resolution model data hints that storms could linger well past midnight through parts of North Alabama. Still, it won’t rain everywhere, but where storms do form just know that will probably pack a punch this afternoon and tonight.

TOMORROW THROUGH FRIDAY: The ridge slowly builds back in from the west, so the weather will stay hot and humid with partly sunny days, fair nights, and the risk of a “pop up” late afternoon or evening thunderstorm in a few spots. Highs will be mostly in the 94 to 98 degree range.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: We are getting into the hottest part of summer, so highs stay in the mid 90s over the weekend with only isolated afternoon storms around. Lots of hazy sunshine, and the humidity stays high.

And, no real sign of any change next week; just the good ole dog days of summer. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

AT THE BEACH: Mostly sunny days, fair nights through the weekend with the risk of a brief storm from time to time to spice things up. Highs on the immediate coast from Panama City Beach west to Gulf Shores will stay between 87 and 90 degrees, with mid 90s inland. Sea water temperatures are mostly in the mid 80s.

Below is a shot of a passing storm early this morning at Panama City Beach… photo from @wxjoules

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TROPICS: Tropical Storm Claudette will become “post tropical” today as it moves northeast over colder water in the Atlantic, well east of Maine… it will impact the Canadian maritimes tomorrow. The rest of the Atlantic basin is very quiet.

WEATHER BRAINS: Don’t forget you can listen to our weekly 90 minute netcast anytime on the web, or on iTunes. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including our meteorologists here at ABC 33/40. Scroll down for the show notes on the new episode we recorded last night.

CONNECT: You can find me on all of the major social networks…

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I will be doing a weather program today at the South Shelby Baptist Learning Center in Calera for a summer camp for kids… look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 4:00 this afternoon. Enjoy the day!

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Category: Alabama's Weather

About the Author ()

James Spann is one of the most recognized and trusted television meteorologists in the industry. He holds the AMS CCM designation and television seals from the AMS and NWA. He is a past winner of the Broadcast Meteorologist of the Year from both professional organizations.

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