The tropics look to be the big story as Isaias continues on its path toward the southeastern Atlantic Coast of the US Mainland. We may actually dry out for a little bit as we’ll only have a small chance of isolated showers starting on Sunday, while we put up with some scattered showers on Saturday.
**No Weather Xtreme video this afternoon** ACTIVE WEATHER DAY: A line of showers and thunderstorms developed quickly across North Alabama around 1:00, and the storms grew to severe limits in spots. A number of severe thunderstorm warnings have been required today; the main threat with the storms passing through is from strong straight-line winds. Some […]
STRONG STORMS POSSIBLE LATER TODAY: The radar is quiet early this morning, but once again scattered showers and thunderstorms will form in the moisture laden airmass over Alabama this afternoon and tonight. An upper air system northwest of the state could help to produce a few strong thunderstorms; SPC has Northwest Alabama in a “marginal risk” (level 1/5) of severe thunderstorms later today. Some of the storms there could produce strong, gusty winds.
RADAR CHECK: Showers and thunderstorms continue to steadily increase across Alabama this afternoon in the moist, tropical air. They are moving quickly to the east which is limiting the amount of rain, and so far there hasn’t been much lightning activity. But we do note SPC has added a low end, “marginal risk” (level 1/5) of severe thunderstorms for Northwest Alabama this evening. A few storms there could produce strong gusty winds ahead of an upper trough.
SOUPY AIRMASS STAYS IN PLACE: A moisture laden airmass will stay in place across Alabama today with high humidity levels. A few showers have already developed early this morning, and we expect scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and tonight. A few spots could see heavy amounts of rain, but organized severe thunderstorms are not expected. Highs will remain in the 80s today due to clouds and rain.
COMFORTABLE SUMMER DAY: While humidity values remain very high, temperatures are well below average for late July across Alabama today due to clouds and showers. The average high for the date is 91 (based on data for Birmingham), but most places are only in the upper 70s and low 80s. Occasional showers will continue across the state through tonight in the tropical air.
WET SUMMER PATTERN: We are forecasting occasional showers and thunderstorms across much of Alabama through Friday as a tropical airmass remains in place, along with a weak upper trough over the region. While most of the rain will come from noon to midnight, there will be some late night and morning activity as well. In fact, rain is falling on parts of Central Alabama early this morning. Showers will be efficient rain producers in this kind of airmass; some communities saw over two inches of rain yesterday.
RADAR CHECK: Showers and thunderstorms continue to increase across the great state of Alabama this afternoon; they are slow movers and dropping heavy amounts of rain in spots. Otherwise, we have a mix of sun and clouds with temperatures mostly in the 80s. The average high for Birmingham on July 28 is 91.
UNSETTLED SUMMER WEATHER: A broad upper trough will cover the Deep South in coming days, and that, in combination with high precipitable water values, will set the stage for scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms on a daily basis through mid-week. While the radar is quiet this morning, look for lots off activity this afternoon, and the showers and storms that form should be very efficient rain producers. The high today should be in the mid 80s for most communities; the average high for Birmingham on July 28 is 91.
RADAR CHECK: Showers and thunderstorms have been steadily incasing over the northern half of the state this afternoon in the moist, unstable air over Alabama. Away from the showers, temperatures are near 90, but many places are in the 80s. We will maintain the chance of showers through the night tonight as a broad upper trough forms over the region.
WET SUMMER PATTERN THIS WEEK: Deep, tropical moisture will high precipitable water values will cover Alabama this week, setting the stage for rather unsettled weather conditions. Today, look for a mix of sun and clouds with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing again this afternoon and tonight. The chance of any one spot getting wet is 50/60 percent, and the high this afternoon will be in the 88-91 degree range for most places. The average high for Birmingham on July 27 is 91.
The tropics look to be the big story as we could have a hurricane making landfall on the Texas coastline later today, while our shower and thunderstorm chances remain elevated through the next six days at least.
James Spann
@spann
