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Humid Air Hangs Around; More Showers/Storms Later Today

| May 21, 2018 @ 6:01 am

MOIST AIR GOING NOWHERE: Saying we have “moist unstable air” in place over Alabama is nothing unusual for late May. In fact, we are in that time of the year when maritime tropical air pretty much stays parked over the Deep South. As the mid latitude westerly winds shift northward in summer, we just don’t see many intrusions of dry continental air through early September.

And, with “moist, unstable air” in place, that means we will have the risk of scattered showers and thunderstorms on daily basis through the rest of the week. Most of them will come during the afternoon and nighttime hours, mostly between 12 noon and 12 midnight. They form in random places, meaning it is impossible to tell you in advance exactly when and where they pop up…. you just have to watch radar trends. And, with light winds aloft they won’t move quickly, meaning some places will see heavy amounts of rain.

Heavier storms will also produce gusty winds; they have the potential for a “wet microburst” in a few spots… stronger straight winds winds that can take down a few trees. But the main threat with summer storms is the lightning output. Afternoon highs will be mostly in the 80s through Friday with a mix of sun and clouds each day.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND: The overall weather just won’t change much. Some sun, and at least scattered showers and storms Saturday through Monday. But, we will keep an eye on the Gulf of Mexico where global models continue to suggest some potential for a tropical low. The European model (ECMWF) shows a low near the Louisiana coast Saturday; it keeps it in the same region through Monday. One way or another, it sure looks like high precipitable water values will remain over Alabama through the weekend.

Understand this is not a situation where it just rains all day, but from time to time you will deal with a passing shower or storm each day Saturday through Monday. The sun will be out at times, and highs will remain in the 80s.

GULF COAST THIS WEEKEND: About 2-4 hours of sunshine daily on the Gulf Coast (Gulf Shores east to Panama City Beach) with scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms. If the tropical low forms, the surf could be very rough. Click here to see the AlabamaWx Beach Forecast Center page.

NEXT WEEK: Nothing to suggest the weather changes much next week. A broad upper trough remains over the region along with moist air, meaning scattered showers and storms will be around each day with highs in the 80s. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

SEC BASEBALL TOURNAMENT: The 2018 SEC Baseball Tournament takes place on tomorrow through Sunday at the Hoover Met. Don’t miss some of the best baseball in the country as the top-12 teams will battle it out in Hoover on the road to Omaha. Join us for the indoor FanFest which is free to the public, open each day of the tournament and fun for all ages. Single-session tickets are $18 each for adults and $9 each for kids 3-12. Bleacher seats are first-come, first-served in the General Admission sections. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!!!

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. We will produce this week’s show tonight at 8:00 CT… you can watch it live here.

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Look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 4:00 this afternoon… enjoy the day!

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Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Weather Xtreme Videos

About the Author ()

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.

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