A Few Scattered Storms This Afternoon
RADAR CHECK: Scattered storms have formed across Alabama this afternoon… as is usually the case on a summer day, they are random, and pretty widely spaced.
Heavier storms are producing lots of lightning and gusty winds, and they are moving southeast. SPC maintains a “marginal” severe weather risk for much of Central and South Alabama through the evening hours.
TOMORROW THROUGH THE WEEKEND: The upper high, today centered west of the state, will strengthen and build eastward. This means increasing heat levels as the weekend approaches. Expect hot, hazy days, fair nights, and a handful of thunderstorms each afternoon during the peak of the heat in isolated spots. Afternoon highs will be in the mid 90s tomorrow, upper 90s Friday, and a chance we see 100 degrees in a number of locations Saturday afternoon.
Today is the 9th consecutive day with a high of 90 degrees or higher (for Birmingham), and so far the hottest temperature this summer is 97, measured on June 22 and June 23. A good chance we beat that by Friday, and our 90 degree streak will most likely last through the rest of July. We are getting into the hottest part of summer in Alabama, climatologically speaking, late July into early August.
NEXT WEEK: We continue to see signs the heat ridge will weaken a bit next week, meaning lower heat levels, and a higher coverage of afternoon storms by Tuesday and Wednesday. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.
AT THE BEACH: Everything looks good through next week on the Gulf Coast from Gulf Shores east to Panama City Beach; mostly sunny days, fair nights, and just the occasional passing summer storm. Highs on the immediate coast will be in the upper 80s, with mid 90s inland. Sea water temperatures are in the mid 80s.
TROPICS: The Atlantic basin is quiet; over in the eastern Pacific Hurricane Delores is packing sustained winds of 135 mph west of the coast of Mexico, but it is no threat to land, and will weaken over colder weather late this week as it gains latitude.
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.
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Look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow…
Category: Alabama's Weather
About the Author (Author Profile)
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.Subscribe
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