Monday Midday Nowcast for North/Central Alabama

With a mix of sun and clouds over most of North/Central Alabama, and lower dew point levels at this hours, temperatures are still quite cool for the middle of May. No rain on the radar for the state of Alabama right now, but plenty of rain is falling back to our west in southern plains states and encroaching into Southwestern Louisiana, Southeastern Arkansas, and Northwestern Mississippi. The good news is most of the heavy rain is off the Gulf Coast of Texas, and there are no severe watches or warnings in effect anywhere in the lower 48.

QUICK LOOK AT TEMPERATURES: Most communities are into the upper 60s to 70s, with the warm spot in the state being Mobile at 79. Here is a list of temperature readings from across the state at this time:

Birmingham 67
Tuscaloosa 69
Muscle Shoals 64
Huntsville 67
Anniston 68
Alexander City 72
Montgomery 75
Dothan 76
Mobile 79

REST OF TODAY: A mix of sun and clouds throughout the remainder of the day. Moisture levels will be on the rise and there is a small risk of sprinkles or light showers mainly over the northwestern counties. Rain amounts, if any, will be light and spotty. Afternoon highs will be in the upper 70s.

CLIMATOLOGY FOR BIRMINGHAM: The normal high temperature for May 16th in Birmingham is 81.5, while the normal low is 59.8. The record high of 97 was reached in 1962. The record low of 43 was set back in 1917.

TUESDAY: With a shift to a southerly flow, warmer and more humid air will move into the area. A mix of sun and clouds is expected, with clouds building during the late afternoon hours. With dry air left over aloft, and upper level ridging increasing during the afternoon, it will be difficult to squeeze any rain out of the clouds. I would not be surprised if one or two very isolated showers develop over the area, but that will be a very small chance. Afternoon highs will be in the mid 80s.

HEADED TO THE BEACH: On an average basis, we expect about 4 to 6 hours of sunshine daily on the coast from Gulf Shores over to Panama City Beach through Friday, and each day there will be a risk of scattered showers and thunderstorms. Highs will be in the low 80s on the immediate coast, with mid 80s inland. For the Hangout Music Festival at Gulf Shores this weekend, a passing shower or storm is possible Friday and Saturday (but no wash-out)… Sunday looks dry with a sunny sky. See a very detailed beach forecast here.

THE REGIONS TRADITION: The Regions Tradition will be held this year at the Greystone Golf and Country Club Wednesday through the weekend… A shower is possible Wednesday and Thursday, but most of those two days should be dry. The best chance of showers and storms will come on Friday, but I still expect them to get some golf in. Then, the weather trends drier for the weekend; only a small risk of a shower Saturday, followed by a sunny sky Sunday. Highs will generally be in the low 80s, although upper 70s are expected Friday due to clouds and showers. Find out more information and purchase your tickets here.

SEC BASEBALL TOURNAMENT: Coming up at the Hoover Met May 24-29… too early for a forecast, but in late May in Alabama average highs are in the 80s, and many days are pretty humid like summer. Find out more information and purchase your tickets here.

WEATHERBRAINS: 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. You can find it here.

Category: Alabama's Weather