Higher Rain Chances, Lower Heat Levels Ahead

RECORD HEAT TODAY: Birmingham has reached 93 degrees this afternoon… that is a new record high for May 14. The old record was 92, recorded in 1998 and 1962. To the north, Huntsville has a new record high for the date with 94. Nothing on radar over the northern half of the state; for Birmingham today is the 18th consecutive day with no measurable rain (based on data at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport).

TO THE SOUTH: We have scattered strong storms over parts of South Alabama… these are moving to the west/southwest.

CHANGES AHEAD: A disturbance in the eastern Gulf of Mexico remains disorganized this afternoon. NHC maintains a 40 percent chance of this becoming a tropical or sub-tropical storm over the next 5 days…

Even if this doesn’t develop, it will move northward and bring enhanced rain chances to the Southeast U.S. in coming days. For Alabama, this means a chance of badly needed rain, and lower heat levels.

TOMORROW: We will forecast a partly sunny sky, and a few scattered showers or storms could form by afternoon, and into the evening hours. The chance of any one spot getting wet is only about one in three, and the high will be in he 87-90 degree range.

WEDNESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY: Deeper moisture moves into the state, and on these three days the sky will feature more clouds and sun, and we expect occasional showers and a few thunderstorms. Highs will be lower, generally in the 82-85 degree range… close to seasonal averages for mid to late May.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: No real change. A deep layer of tropical moisture will remain over Alabama, meaning generally cloudy conditions Saturday and Sunday with occasional showers. A thunderstorm is possible at times as well. Highs will stay in the low to mid 80s.

For those outdoor events, including the Regions Tradition at Greystone and the Hangout Music Festival at Gulf Shores…

*The rain won’t be continuous (there will be some nice breaks in the rain)
*No severe storms are expected, but some thunder is very possible.
*The sun should break out at times.

It is simply impossible to give start/stop times of rain at any specific location; just be ready for some rain at times, and go indoors (or in a vehicle) if you hear thunder.

NEXT WEEK: Showers become more scattered in nature next week as the ridge begins to rebuild, but we will still mention “widely scattered, mostly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms” through much of the week. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

REGIONS TRADITION: The Regions Tradition will begins Wednesday, and continues through Sunday at the beautiful Greystone Golf and Country Club! Make plans to attend one of the majors of the PGA Champions Tour! You can see legendary golfers Bernhard Langer, John Daly, Vijay Singh, and more tee it off with Nick Saban, Gus Malzahn, Bo Jackson, and other celebrities in the NCR Pro-AM. Juniors 18 & under are admitted free with a ticketed adult, and five-day grounds tickets are $80. Single day grounds tickets are $20. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!!!

BEACH FORECAST: Click here to see the AlabamaWx Beach Forecast Center page.

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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I enjoyed seeing the third graders today at Ohatchee Elementary in Calhoun County… be looking for them on the Pepsi KIDCAM today at 5:00 on ABC 33/40 News! The next Weather Xtreme video will be posted here by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow…

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