Scattered Storms Return Statewide; Rising Heat Levels Next Week

SUN AND STORMS: Moisture levels will rise across Alabama today, and we will mention a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms statewide this afternoon and early tonight. They will be most numerous over the western half of the state; otherwise expect a partly sunny sky with a high in the 88-92 degree range. The average high for Birmingham on July 12 is 91.

An ocean of humidity will cover the Deep South tomorrow through the weekend, and we expect scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms around during the afternoon and evening hours (mostly between 2:00 and 10:00 p.m.). Chance of any one location seeing rain daily is 50-60 percent… otherwise we expect a mix of sun and clouds daily with highs generally in the low 90s.

NEXT WEEK: A strong upper ridge will build in from the west, meaning rising heat levels and fewer showers. The chance of any neighborhood seeing a shower or storm daily will drop to around 15-20 percent, and highs will rise into the mid 90s. Maybe upper 90s in spots, especially on the western side of the state. Heat advisories will be needed as the heat index will be over 100 daily… See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.

TROPICS: A small area of low pressure located more than 500 miles east-northeast of Bermuda continues to produce disorganized showers and thunderstorms well to the south of its center. Environmental conditions are forecast to be marginally conducive for some development of this system, and a subtropical or tropical depression or storm could form during the next few days while the system moves generally eastward. By the weekend, the low should turn northward bringing the system over cooler waters, potentially limiting additional development. NHC gives it a 50 percent chance of development over the next five days… one way or another it will remain far from land.

The rest of the Atlantic basin, including the Gulf of Mexico, remains very quiet.

ON THIS DATE IN 1995: An intense heat wave affected much of the Midwest for a 4-day period beginning on this day. The worst effects of the heat were noted in the Chicago metropolitan area, where 583 people died from the heat. Temperatures across the region reached as high as 104 degrees

ON THIS DATE IN 1996: Hurricane Bertha makes landfall near Wrightsville Beach, NC with maximum winds of 105 mph, but the storm surge dealt the most devastation. The U.S. Virgin Islands, along with North Carolina, were declared federal disaster areas. Surveys indicate that Bertha damaged almost 2,500 homes on St. Thomas and St. John. For many, it was the second hit in the ten months since Hurricane Marilyn devastated the same area. The primary effects in North Carolina were to the coastal counties and included storm surge flooding and beach erosion, roof damage, piers washed away, fallen trees and damage to crops.

Look for the next video briefing here by 3:00 this afternoon… enjoy the day!

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