Sun, Heat, Scattered Storms; Classic Summer Mix
MUGGY SUMMER DAYS: We have some pretty classic summer weather for Alabama and the Deep South through the weekend. Partly sunny days, highs in the 88-92 degree range, and the usual risk of “scattered, mostly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms”. Most (but not necessarily all) of the showers and storms will come from around 1:00 until 10:00 p.m… and the chance of any one spot seeing rain is in the 55-65 percent range. Where storms do form, they will be strong with potential for gusty winds and lots of lightning.
NEXT WEEK: The overall pattern just won’t change much with a broad upper ridge in place and weak winds aloft. A surface front could approach the northern part of the state which could enhance the coverage of afternoon showers and storms around mid-week, followed by a trend toward fewer showers Thursday and Friday. Temperatures remain very close to average levels for late June and early July with highs in the upper 80s and low 90s for most communities. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
TROPICS: An area of showers and thunderstorms currently over the northwestern Caribbean sea and adjacent land areas is expected to move west-northwestward into the Bay of Campeche tomorrow or tomorrow night, where a low pressure area could form. Subsequent slow development is possible on Sunday or Monday if the system remains offshore of the coast of Mexico. Regardless of development, locally heavy rains are possible over portions of Belize, Guatemala, and southeastern Mexico during the next few days.
NHC gives this feature a 20 percent chance of development over the next seven days. The rest the Atlantic basin, including most of the Gulf, remains very quiet.
ON THIS DATE IN 1957: Hurricane Audrey made landfall Sabine Pass and Johnsons Bayou, Louisiana. Hurricane Audrey ranks as the 7th deadliest hurricane to strike the United States (3rd deadliest within Louisiana) in modern record keeping, with at least 416 deaths. The exact number will never be known, as many perished in the storm surge in Cameron and Vermilion parishes, and many missing persons were never found.
Along with Hurricane Alex in 2010, it was also the strongest June hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic basin as measured by pressure. The rapidly developing storm struck southwestern Louisiana as an intense Category 3 hurricane, destroying coastal communities with a powerful storm surge that penetrated as far as 20 miles inland. Prior to making landfall, Audrey severely disrupted offshore drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Damages from offshore oil facilities alone was estimated at $16 million. Audrey caused much of its destruction near the border between Texas and Louisiana. The hurricane’s strong winds resulted in widespread property and infrastructural damage.
Look for the next video briefing here by 3:00 this afternoon… enjoy the day!
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
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