Showers Return Today; A Few Strong Storms Possible
ON THE MAP: A well defined upper low is spinning away this morning over Louisiana, and on the east side of the system moisture air continues to move northward. Showers are fairly widespread across Central Alabama early this morning, and additional showers and a few thunderstorms will form this afternoon.
SPC has defined a “slight risk” (level 2/5) of severe thunderstorms for areas south and east of a line from Atmore to Clanton to Opelika. A “marginal risk” (level 1/5) extends as far north as Vernon, Cullman, and Centre.
Storms this afternoon and evening could produce small hail and gusty winds. An isolated, brief tornado can’t be ruled out, but isn’t likely. Highest risk of a tornado this afternoon is over Southeast Alabama, where instability values are a little higher. Main window for the stronger storms will come from about 1:00 until 7:00 p.m.
This certainly isn’t a “major” threat, but you have to watch any system that rolls through here in mid-April. The high today will be in the 65-75 degree range with a mostly cloudy sky.
TOMORROW AND THE WEEKEND: We will maintain the chance of scattered showers tomorrow, but much of the day will be dry. The sky will remain mostly cloudy with highs generally in the upper 60s and low 70s. Then, Saturday looks to be a warm, dry day for much of the state with a high in the low 80s. The exception is the southwest corner of the state, where rain is possible across Mobile and Baldwin counties.
A cold front will bring showers statewide late Saturday night into Sunday morning. A few strong storms are possible initially over the northwest corner of the state, but they should be weakening and for now severe storms are not expected. The main window for rain with this feature will come from about midnight Saturday night to noon Sunday. Some clearing is possible Sunday afternoon over West Alabama… and highs will remain in the 67-74 degree range.
NEXT WEEK: Most of the week looks warm and dry with sunny days and fair nights. Highs will be in the 70s Monday and Tuesday, with low to mid 80s over the latter half of the week. A few showers could return Friday, but for now it doesn’t look like a major rain event. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
ON THIS DATE IN 1999: A two-mile-wide area of wind-driven hail pounded residences and farm equipment for about a 5 mile stretch at least as far as State Highway 158 in west Texas near Midland/Odessa. Hail grew up to about golf ball size and winds peaked at approximately 80 mph. The wind-driven hail broke windows in houses and blasted paint off the wooden siding.
ON THIS DATE IN 2006: An F2 tornado hit Iowa City, Iowa and trekked across other Southeast parts of the University of Iowa campus doing 15+ million dollars damage hurting 30 people and damaging or destroying 1051 buildings.
BEACH FORECAST: Click here to see the AlabamaWx Beach Forecast Center page.
Look for the next video briefing here by 3:00 this afternoon… enjoy the day!
Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Weather Xtreme Videos
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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.Subscribe
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