Strong/Severe Storms For Alabama Tomorrow; Dry Friday

UNSETTLED WEATHER: The sky has become mostly cloudy across Alabama this afternoon; and a few patches of light rain have been moving across the state. A larger of rain is moving into the western counties as I write this. Temperatures are generally in the 65-72 degree range; the average high for April 22 at Birmingham is 76.

SEVERE WEATHER POTENTIAL TOMORROW: An organized band of rain and thunderstorms will pass through early tomorrow morning. The air will be cool and stable, but some hail and strong winds are possible. The rain will be heavy at times.

Then, later in the day, additional thunderstorms will likely develop, mainly over the eastern and southern counties of the state. SPC maintains an “enhanced” risk (level 3/5) of severe weather for areas south and east of Birmingham, with “slight” and “marginal” risks to the north and west.

We need to note that the potential afternoon thunderstorm threat is conditional; the air will be rain cooled from the morning activity, and there is a chance the unstable air will remain over the southern half of the state, much like this past Sunday. But high resolution models so show a surge of instability by afternoon into East Alabama.

TIMING: On the attached graphic, you see very large severe weather windows (12 hours); this is to cover the morning round of storms as well as the afternoon convection. There should be a lull during the mid to late morning hours, and possibly early in the afternoon as well. But most of the storms will come between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

THREATS: The morning storms will be capable of producing some hail and strong winds. Afternoon storms over East and South Alabama could feature large hail, damaging wind, and a few tornadoes.

RAIN: Rain amounts of 2-3 inches are expected across Central Alabama, and a flash flood watch is in effect for 14 counties.

It will be another day to be weather aware. Be sure you have a way of hearing severe weather warnings, and pay attention to severe thunderstorm warnings. Know your safe place, and how to get there quickly.

FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: Dry air will cover Alabama Friday; the day will be mostly sunny with a high around 80 degrees. Then, another fast moving weather system will bring a band of showers and thunderstorms to the northern third of the state after midnight Friday night into early Saturday morning. For now, it looks like moisture return will be limited, and the severe weather threat will be low. Then, we expect gradual clearing by Saturday afternoon. Sunday, for a change, looks like beautiful day with ample sunshine along with a high around 70 degrees.

NEXT WEEK: For now we don’t see any signs of severe thunderstorms during the week. A cold front could bring a few showers Wednesday, but it doesn’t look like a big rain event. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

ON THIS DATE IN 2003: Tropical Storm Ana became the first Atlantic tropical storm since records began in 1871 to form during the month April. Maximum sustained winds reached 55 mph. Starting as a non-tropical area of low pressure on the 18th about 210 miles south-southwest of Bermuda, it was classified as a sub-tropical storm early on the 20th, it gained full tropical characteristics near 0000 UTC on the 21st, developing an “eye” feature.

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