Strong Storms Possible Later Today

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SLIGHT RISK: SPC has put the northern third of Alabama in a slight risk of severe storms today; we expect a better setup for heating today, with temperatures reaching the low 90s, and a high degree of surface based instability by afternoon. While it won’t rain everywhere, where storms do form that have some potential for wet microbursts; localized areas of damaging straight line winds. There is also some risk of an MCS forming over Missouri, moving down our way in a weak northwest flow aloft. Otherwise, today will be a rather routine summer day, with morning sun and that risk of scattered showers and storms this afternoon.

TOMORROW AND THE WEEKEND: The ridge will be slightly stronger, meaning highs up in the mid 90s, and afternoon showers and storms becoming widely scattered. The heat index will be around 100 at times, so the heat will be the biggest issue over the weekend.

NEXT WEEK: Still no reason to deviate from the usual summer forecast, with hot days, a partly sunny sky, and some risk of a shower or storm each afternoon in scattered spots.

AT THE BEACH: We are forecasting about 3 to 5 hours of sunshine each day through the weekend, with highs in the 88 to 91 degree range. You will have to dodge scattered showers and thunderstorms each day as well. The SST (sea surface temperature) last night at Pensacola Beach was a balmy 88 degrees.

TROPICAL WEATHER: In the East Pacific, tropical depression 2E has formed just off the southwest coast of Mexico. It is expected to grow into Tropical Storm Agatha as it moves parallel to the coast in coming days. Then, the system will turn left into the open Pacific, where it will weaken and dissipate. In the Atlantic, a weak tropical wave will be approaching the Leeward Islands late tonight and tomorrow, but upper air winds are not favorable for tropical storm formation in that region. The rest of the Atlantic basin is rather quiet.

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