A Wet Weekend for Us

Look for a nice morning as clouds increase later this morning and into the afternoon. That major storm system that has produced so much severe weather across parts of the southern Plains will move up into the Great Lakes area today and drag a cold front into and across Alabama on Sunday. SPC has a slight risk for thunderstorms across the northwestern quadrant of Alabama for today with the primary threat being damaging thunderstorm wind and possibly some large hail. We should see the highs today warm up nicely but not quite as much as we saw yesterday thanks to the clouds increasing. Birmingham recorded a high of 92 yesterday. Look for highs in the middle 80s.

We stay wet Sunday as the front makes its way steadily across the state during the day. Showers and thunderstorms will occur off and on for much of the day, but there will be some open periods without rain. It remains warm with highs in the lower 80s.

Monday we should dry out as the front sweeps out across the Southeast US coast. Look for highs in the lower 80s. But rain is likely to return very quickly for Tuesday with the passage of a short wave trough coming across the Lower Mississippi River Valley. Highs Tuesday should be around 80.

Before we can completely dry out from Tuesday, a strong trough digs into the Southeast US from the north bringing another round of weather. This deep trough will also usher in some colder air with highs Wednesday and Thursday only in the 70s. As that trough moves quickly into the Atlantic, it is replaced by an upper ridge for Friday and Saturday which brings in some dry weather along with a warming trend as highs return to the 80s for Friday and Saturday. And right now Sunday looks dry and warm, too, as we edge out into voodoo country.

Rainfall over the next five days will be substantial. The QPF forecast calls for a swath of 4 to 6 inch rain amounts from Southeast Texas across Central Alabama to Northwest South Carolina. We’re still in need of some additional help for the drought conditions we inherited from 2016, so the rain will be welcome. However, there is some risk that we might see some excessive rainfall rates which could lead to flash flood concerns. There are currently no flash flood watches for any locations in the Southeast US, but we need to keep an eye for the possibility of some flash flooding. Remember, turn around, don’t drown.

Speaking of voodoo country, the ridge slowly dampens down a bit by Tuesday, May 31st, as the main traveling systems ride across the US-Canadian border. The pattern remains somewhat flat into the first of June with a big upper high building over northern Mexico.

REGIONS TRADITION: The Regions Tradition continues through Sunday at the Greystone Golf and Country Club and tickets remain on sale. Fans and golfers will have to dodge a few showers and storms this afternoon and Sunday, but they should get the rounds in. Come see some of the world’s greatest golfers such as Bernhard Langer, John Daly, Freddie Couples and many more right in our own backyard. Tickets start at only $20. Also, children 18 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult!

SEC BASEBALL: The SEC Baseball Tournament returns to the Hoover Met, May 23-28. Come see some of the best college players in the country as they compete for the championship. Also, for the first time ever, you can take advantage of the Hoover Metropolitan Complex which will feature a free, indoor Fan Fest – ferris wheel, sports bar and much more! Tickets start at only $9! For now it looks like some light rain Wednesday, otherwise the weather looks good with temperatures below average.

HANGOUT MUSIC FESTIVAL: A few passing showers and storms are possible at Gulf Shores today and Sunday, but the sun will be out at times, and they will get the concerts in… just be ready for a lightning delay or two over the weekend. Click here to see the Beach Forecast Center page. Save Up To 25% on Spring Break Beach Vacations on the Alabama Gulf Coast with Brett/Robinson! The Beach Forecast is partially underwritten by the support of Brett/Robinson Vacation Rentals in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Click here to see Brett/Robinson’s best beach offers now!

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.

Looking forward to driving up to Altoona this morning with Meaghan Thomas for their local festival. It’s always nice to get out to talk weather with viewers. Stay dry this weekend. Godspeed.

-Brian-

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