A Few Showers Today; Higher Rain Coverage Thursday/Friday

SPOTTY SHOWERS LATER TODAY: We will mention the chance of a few widely scattered showers today and tomorrow, but the chance of any one given location seeing rain is 25 percent or less both days. Otherwise expect a party sunny sky with a high in the 88-92 degree range today, followed by mid to upper 80s tomorrow.

Rain coverage will increase Thursday with relatively widespread rain, especially over the southern half of the state. Periods of rain are likely statewide Friday with some thunder possible as well. The high Thursday will be in the low 80s, and on Friday much of Alabama will hold in the 70s all day because of clouds and rain. Rain amounts of 1-2 inches are likely for much of Alabama between now and Friday night.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: A cold front will push through on Saturday, and we will mention the risk of a few showers along the front, but for now we aren’t expecting anything really heavy or widespread. Then, a cooler, drier airmass will arrive Saturday night, setting the stage for a sunny Sunday with lower humidity. Highs over the weekend will be mostly in the low to mid 80s, with 50s likely for the northern counties of the state Sunday morning.

NEXT WEEK: For now most of the week looks rain-free with highs in the 80s and lows in the upper 50s and 60s. Very seasonal for early September… See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.

TROPICS: NHC is monitoring two features in the Atlantic basin this morning…

*A tropical wave over the far eastern Atlantic is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Environmental conditions are forecast to become a little more conducive for development, and a tropical depression could form in a few days while the disturbance moves slowly west-northwestward or northwestward over the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean. This system could produce locally heavy rains and gusty winds across portions of the Cabo Verde Islands in a day or two. NHC gives the system a 40 percent chance of development; and global models suggest it will gain latitude and turn northward within 4-7 days.

*Disorganized showers and thunderstorms continue in association with a westward-moving tropical wave located over the eastern Caribbean Sea. Environmental conditions are expected to become more conducive for development when the system reaches the western Caribbean Sea and southwestern Gulf of Mexico late this week, and over the weekend, and a tropical depression could form during that time. NHC gives the system a 40 percent of development over the next seven days.

Once the system reaches the Bay of Campeche this weekend, global models are suggesting a decent chance this will become a tropical depression or storm, then lifting northward. Models are not especially bullish on intensification for now, and the system remains just something to watch. No way of knowing the final track or intensity IF a system develops.

ON THIS DATE IN 1970: During the early evening hours, amid a severe hailstorm at Coffeyville, Kansas, a stone 17.5 inches in circumference and nearly two pounds in weight was recovered. Average stone size from the storm was five inches in diameter, with another stone reportedly eight inches in diameter.

ON THIS DATE IN 1979: Hurricane David made landfall in South Florida as a Category 2 storm. It caused 15 deaths in the U.S. David was a Category 5 over the Dominican Republic where over 2,000 people died. On the same day, eyes were also on Tropical Storm Frederic in the open Atlantic; it would go on to strike the Alabama Gulf Coast on September 12, 1979.

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

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