Summer Preview Continues
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CLOSE TO RECORD LEVELS TODAY: On this last day of April, the record high for Birmingham is 91 degrees, set in 1943. I don’t think we break that record, but we will be close today with a high between 87 and 90 degrees for most locations across North and Central Alabama. An upper ridge should keep us dry with a good supply of sunshine.
REST OF THE WEEK: The upper ridge isn’t going anywhere, meaning most of the storms in association with the mid-latitude westerlies will remain north of here. We also note a tropical disturbance around the Bahamas, that has potential to bring lots of rain to far South Florida, but again that won’t be a factor here. Bottom line is that our weather stays very warm, and generally dry with highs in the upper 80s. We might see a little pop-up shower or storm somewhere along the way, but widespread rain just isn’t going to happen in this pattern.
WEEKEND PEEK: No real reason for any weather changes on Saturday and Sunday. The upper ridge will keep temperatures in the upper 80s to near 90 Saturday and Sunday with a good supply of sunshine both days; looks like most places stay dry. Great weather for NASCAR fans coming into Talladega for race weekend. Bring the sunscreen; it will feel more like June.
RAIN SITUATION: The rain total since January 1 at the Birmingham Airport is 14.84″, which is exactly four inches below average. Unfortunately it looks like this deficit will grow larger over the next week or so.
AT THE BEACH: Lots of sunshine for the Gulf Coast between Panama City and Gulf Shores today and tomorrow with highs in the low to mid 80s. Showers and storms are possible Wednesday and Thursday, but the weather will be drier by Friday and the weekend with a good supply of sunshine all three days. The sea water temperature this morning at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab is 74 degrees.
LONG RANGE: The GFS does show temperatures backing down to average levels in the May 10-15 time frame with an upper low/trough forming over the eastern third of the nation. Unfortunately, no real sign of any major rain event, however. See the Weather Xtreme video for details and all of the graphics that go with this discussion.
WEATHER BRAINS: Don’t forget you can listen to our weekly 90 minute netcast anytime on the web, or on iTunes. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including our meteorologists here at ABC 33/40. We will record this week’s episode tonight at 8:30 p.m. CDT. Legendary severe weather researcher Chuck Doswell will join us.
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I have weather programs today at Moundville Elementary in Hale County, and Riverchase Elementary in Hoover. Look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 3:30 or so this afternoon. Enjoy the day….
Category: Alabama's Weather
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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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