A Few Strong Storms Possible This Evening
RADAR CHECK: Most of Alabama is rain-free at mid afternoon… with a mix of sun and clouds temperatures are in the 88-92 degree range. Again Mobile is the exception… they are at 97 degrees as I write this. We still have a chance of strong thunderstorms between now and around 10:00 p.m., but SPC has trimmed back the severe weather risk areas on their midday update.
The “slight risk” (level 2/5) is now confined to the northwest corner of the state, including places like Florence, Russellville, and Hamilton. There is a “marginal risk” (level 1/5) of severe thunderstorms as far south as I-59. While many places will be dry tonight, where storms do develop they will have potential to produce strong, gusty winds. Highest probability of rain over the next few hours will be over the northwest counties of the state… showers and storms will be much more isolated elsewhere. The window for the stronger storms will come from about 5:00 until 10:00 p.m.
Any showers tomorrow will be confined to far South Alabama and areas near the Gulf Coast. Otherwise the day will be partly to mostly sunny with a high in the 87-91 degree range.
FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: The weather will be very pleasant with mostly sunny days, lower humidity, and cooler nights. Highs will be in the mid to upper 80s, with lows well down in the 60s. Cooler spots across North Alabama could reach the 50s.
NEXT WEEK: The weather stays dry Monday, but global models are now suggesting moisture levels rising with some risk of showers Tuesday and Wednesday ahead of a surface front… highs will remain mostly in the mid to upper 80s. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
FOOTBALL WEATHER: The sky will be clear for the high school football games across Alabama Friday night with temperatures falling through the 70s.
Saturday, UAB will take on Georgia Southern in Statesboro, GA (5:00p CT kickoff)… the sky will be occasionally cloudy, and a passing shower or thunderstorm can’t be ruled out during the game. Temperatures will fall from near 89 degrees at kickoff through the 80s during the second half.
Alabama will host Texas Saturday evening at Bryant-Denny Stadium (6:00p CT kickoff)… the sky will be clear with temperatures falling from near 83 degrees at kickoff, into the 70s by the second half.
Auburn will be in Berkeley to take on the California Golden Bears (9:30p CT kickoff)… expect a clear sky with temperatures in the 60s during the game.
TROPICS: Tropical Storm Lee is in the Atlantic about halfway between the coast of Africa and the Lesser Antilles with winds of 70 mph. It will become a hurricane later this evening, and is expected to reach major hurricane strength (category three) tomorrow night. The latest NHC has it at category four strength with winds of 155 mph by the weekend passing north of the Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico.
Ensemble output from global models continues to show a sharp turn to the north early next week, keeping Lee east of the Bahamas and the U.S. East Coast. It could impact the Canadian Maritimes by the end of next week, but it should be a weaker system by then thanks to cooler water due to upwelling from Franklin.
Elsewhere, Invest 96L is in the far eastern Atlantic, and is expected to become Tropical Storm Margot over the next few days. It will turn north and is no threat to land.
No tropical storms or hurricanes will threaten the Gulf of Mexico for at least the next seven to ten days.
ON THIS DATE IN 1933: The remnant low of the Treasure Coast Hurricane dumped 10.33″ of rain in Charleston, which is the second-highest 24-hour rainfall total on record for the downtown station. The storm produced wind gusts of 51 mph and also spawned a tornado near the city.
ON THIS DATE IN 2017: Category 5 Hurricane Irma affected the US Virgin Island and Puerto Rico. Maximum sustained winds were at 180 mph when the storm hit St. Thomas & St. John. Catastrophic damage was reported over the US Virgin Island & significant damage over Puerto Rico, especially over Culebra.
Look for the next video briefing here by 6:00 a.m. tomorrow…
Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Weather Xtreme Videos
About the Author (Author Profile)
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
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
