Hottest Weather So Far This Year Ahead

HOT, DRY PATTERN DEVELOPING: We will mention a chance of isolated showers or thunderstorms this afternoon across North/Central Alabama as a weak surface boundary begins to lift northward as a warm front, but most places will be dry. Otherwise, expect a mix of sun and clouds today with a high in the upper 80s. The average high at Birmingham on May 20 is 82.

MAJOR SEVERE WEATHER THREAT TO THE WEST: We have a rare “high risk” (level 5/5) defined today by SPC today over parts of Texas and Oklahoma, surrounded by a “moderate risk” (level 4/5) which includes Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Lubbock, and Abilene. A few violent, long track tornadoes are possible in that region this afternoon and tonight.

REST OF THE WEEK: A strong upper high will develop across the Deep South, and will bring the hottest weather so far this year. We are forecasting sunny days and fair nights. The high tomorrow will be close to 90, followed by low 90s Wednesday and Thursday. Mid 90s are very possible Friday as the heat continues to build.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND: Hot, dry weather continues. Lots of sunshine Saturday through Monday with highs in the mid 90s; some spots could reach the upper 90s… right at record levels for late May in Alabama. The record high for May 27 (Memorial Day this year) at Birmingham is 98, set in 1962. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

HOT SUMMER? Does a hot end to the month of May mean a long, hot, dry summer for Alabama? Well, of course, every summer is hot here. But there is no correlation between near record heat in May and the weather that follows in June, July, and August. We will just have to wait and see.

TROPICS: A disturbance east of the Bahamas has a 60 percent chance of becoming a tropical or sub-tropical depression within the next 48 hours. If anything develops there, it will move north, and then east, and is no threat to land. The Atlantic hurricane season “officially” begins on June 1.

ON THIS DATE IN 2013: A large and extremely powerful EF-5 tornado ravaged Moore, Oklahoma, and adjacent areas, with peak winds estimated at 210 mph, killing 24 people (plus two indirect fatalities) and injuring 212 others. This was the last EF-5 recorded in the U.S… and that part of Oklahoma has a risk of long track tornadoes today.

SEC BASEBALL TOURNAMENT: The 2019 SEC Baseball Tournament takes place this week 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!!!

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 show anytime on your favorite podcast app. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including our meteorologists here at ABC 33/40.

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I have a weather program this morning at Elvin Hill Elementary in Columbiana… look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 4:00 this afternoon. Enjoy the day!

Tags: ANC, warm

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