Some Needed Rain For Alabama
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TROPICAL SHOWERS: A deep plume of tropical moisture covers Alabama this boring, and thanks to a weakness in the upper ridge that has been overhead, we will forecast periods of rain and a few thunderstorms today. The NAM is printing 0.61″ of rain for Birmingham through 48 hours, while the GFS is at 0.99″. Accordingly we will forecast one-half to one inch of additional rain today. While there could be some thunder, we don’t expect any severe weather issues.
Most places won’t get out of the 70s today because of the clouds and rain, and the showers will taper off early tonight.
TOMORROW AND THE WEEKEND: Summer-like weather returns. We hit the mid to upper 80s tomorrow, and then we should see a high close to 90 degrees both Saturday and Sunday. Tomorrow should be dry, but we will mention a few isolated showers and storms Saturday and Sunday as a weak northwest flow aloft will bring an open door for minor waves to pass through. We believe the storms over the weekend will be very widely spaced.
However, it is interesting to note that SPC has defined a “slight risk” of severe weather for a pretty good part of Alabama on Saturday, as they believe the combination of high instability and the approach of a weak wave could set off a few strong thunderstorms around here. Still not convinced it rains in that many places.
AARON’S DREAM WEEKEND: The weather will be very warm at Talladega this race weekend, with highs between 87 and 90 degrees each day tomorrow through Sunday. We don’t expect any rain around the track tomorrow, and only isolated showers Saturday and Sunday. The chance of rain specifically at the Superspeedway both days is only 20 percent. Expect a decent amount of sunshine both days, so be sure and bring the sunscreen.
AT THE BEACH: Showers and storms are likely today along the Gulf Coast from Panama City west to Gulf Shores, but the weather looks mostly sunny tomorrow through Sunday. The high today will be in the 70s, but low to mid 80s are likely tomorrow and over the weekend. The sea water temperature at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab this morning is 77 degrees.
NEXT WEEK: Moisture levels will increase early in the week, so we will mention a chance of scattered showers and storms each day for the first half of the week. Then, late in the week, the GFS hints at a decent chance of rain around Friday May 11 and Saturday May 12, followed by a nice surge of cooler and drier air May 13-15. See the Weather Xtreme video for the graphics and details.
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I will be speaking at Greensboro Elementary School in Hale County this morning… 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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