Weather Notes on the Fly

Just a couple of weather notes as our weather continues to be on track for an active day Monday.

But first, the record warmth continues. For the third straight day, Birmingham has broken the high temperature record for the day. The old record was 75 set in 2008, and the 1 pm observation showed a temperature of 76. With breaks in the sunshine, this temperatures may go higher, so the 76 may not be the final value.

Anniston has also established a new record for today. The old record was 75 set in 1982, and around 11 am the temperature went to 76 at Anniston establishing a new record. But just like Birmingham, this may not be the final value.

Tuscaloosa’s record is 78 degrees set in 1982. Just like the other stations, Tuscaloosa has been to 76 degrees, but it will need to get 3 degrees higher to set a new record high for today. This is possible since the clouds have shown signs of breaking and allowing additional sun through.

As you can see from the graphic below, SPC (Storm Prediction Center) has made some slight adjustments to their standard “slight” risk area which still includes nearly all of Alabama with the exception of a thin sliver along the Georgia border. While there are still major uncertainties in exactly how the weather situation will play out, the latest guidance is supportive of a narrow band of sufficient surface-based destabilization ahead of the line. If this does develop, there is more than enough shear for the production of tornadoes within the line along with damaging wind.

SPC notes in their latest outlook that the risk area may be upgraded early Monday as the full character of the line becomes clearer.

This is definitely a stay tuned situation, but one that still makes it prudent for severe weather plans to be reviewed and for everyone to have a way to get weather warnings no matter where you may be. A NOAA weather radio is the baseline, but everyone with a smart phone should consider having a good warning app in addition to a weather radio.

-Brian-

Category: Alabama's Weather, Severe Weather