A Few Storms Possible Later Today
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BIG BAD DERECHO: By definition… a derecho is a widespread and long-lived, violent convectively induced straight-line windstorm that is associated with a fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms. They often last for over 250 miles, and can knock down thousands of trees across multiple states. We had a pretty nasty derecho move through Alabama last night with widespread tree and power line damage over many counties.
At 5:00 this morning… Alabama Power reports 43,000 customers remain without power statewide, 26,000 in the Birmingham area and 16,100 to the west. This is down from 110,000 without power last night.
THE DAY AHEAD: We note early this morning big storms west of the state over Mississippi and Louisiana… but these are moving to the south, not to the east, and the radar is quiet across our state. On the maps we have a surface front to the northwest, and that will be approaching North Alabama this afternoon. Often, in the wake of a derecho, the air becomes pretty stable which tends to limit new storm formation, but with temperatures expected to rise into the mid 80s today, we will need to hang on to some risk of scattered storms ahead of the front during the afternoon hours.
While there is no formal severe weather risk here today, SPC does maintain the low end 5 percent probabilities for most of Alabama. I don’t expect a repeat of last night, but one or two of the storms that form this afternoon could pack a punch. Most of the storms should be over by sundown for the northern counties of Alabama.
REST OF THE WEEK: Looks warmer and calm. Afternoon highs around 90 degrees tomorrow through Friday, with partly sunny days and fair nights. Any showers should be few and far between around here.
WEEKEND OUTLOOK: Pretty much the same story. The flow veers a bit, and comes out of the east, so temperatures will be a tad cooler with highs in the 85 to 89 degree range Saturday and Sunday. Days remain partly sunny, and showers should remain very widely spaced.
Not much overall change early next week with seasonal temperatures and only isolated showers. We do note the GFS has hinted at some “back yard” tropical mischief in the Gulf next week… see the Weather Xtreme video for details.
GULF COAST WEATHER: The weather looks a little more favorable for the Northwest Florida and Alabama Gulf Coasts for the rest of the week, but each day there will still be scattered showers and thunderstorms around. About 6 to 8 hours of sunshine each day through Friday with highs in the 80s, and that type of weather should continue into the weekend. Sea water temperatures remain in the low to mid 80s from Panama City to Gulf Shores.
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. Had to postpone last night’s show due to our active weather… so this week’s episode will be produced tonight at 8:30 p.m. CDT, and we will have the live video stream posted here on the blog if you want to watch.
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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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