UPPER RIDGE HOLDS: Looks like we will be locked into a warm, humid weather pattern through early next week, and we are going to roll with a persistence forecast for the next five to seven days. An upper ridge over the eastern half of the nation means summer-like weather hangs on; partly sunny days, fair nights, and just a few isolated showers or storms during the afternoon and evening hours. The chance of any one spot getting wet each afternoon will be in the one in five category; no widespread rain expected anytime soon.
Afternoon highs will remain about 5 degrees above average for mid to late September with highs in the mid to upper 80s. The average high for Birmingham for September 21 is 84.
FALL ARRIVES TOMORROW: While we have been in meteorological fall since September 1, astronomical fall begins tomorrow at 3:02 p.m. CT… the time of the autumnal equinox. This is when we have approximately 12 hours of daylight, and 12 hours of darkness as the sun is directly over the equator. Just understand it doesn’t magically turn cool around here on the day of the equinox.
FOOTBALL WEATHER: For tomorrow night’s high school games, it will be warm and humid with temperatures falling from the low 80s at kickoff, into the upper 70s by the final whistle. Just a slight risk of a shower during the first quarter.
Alabama will be in Nashville Saturday to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores (2:30p CT kickoff)… the sky will be mostly sunny with a kickoff temperature near 88 degrees… falling into the mid 80s by the fourth quarter. Just a small risk of a brief shower.
Auburn is also on the road; they play Missouri in Columbia Saturday evening (6:30p CT kickoff)… we expect a clear sky with temperatures falling from 85 degrees at kickoff into the upper 70s by the final whistle.
And, UAB is also traveling this weekend; they play North Texas Saturday evening (5:30p CT kickoff) in Denton. The weather will be dry with a fair sky; about 90 degrees at kickoff, falling through the 80s during the game.
PATTERN CHANGE: Global models show a major pattern change in 8-10 days, with a deep upper trough developing over the eastern U.S. This should open the door for much cooler air as October begins. But, the pattern looks pretty dry for a while, and don’t forget October is usually our driest month of the year.
EYES ON MARIA: Now a category three hurricane with sustained winds of 115 mph just north of the Dominican Republic. Maria will gain latitude in coming days, and will move northward, east of the Bahamas, this weekend.
Confidence is growing that Maria will not directly impact the U.S. East Coast, thanks to a weakness in the subtropical ridge north of the system left by Tropical Storm Jose, which is still spinning away east of New England.
BEACH FORECAST: Click here to see the AlabamaWx Beach Forecast Center page. The Beach Forecast is partially underwritten by the support of Brett/Robinson Vacation Rentals in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Click here to see Brett/Robinson’s Hot Deals now!
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.
CONNECT: You can find me on all of the major social networks…
Facebook
Twitter
Google Plus
Instagram
Pinterest
Snapchat: spannwx
I have weather programs today at Childersburg High School, and Spire in Gadsden (formerly ALAGASCO)… look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 4:00 this afternoon. Enjoy the day!
