RINSE AND REPEAT: The forecast just does not change much this time of year across Alabama. Each day features hot temperatures, high humidity, and random showers and storms, mainly during afternoon and evening hours. Highs across Alabama today are in the mid 90s for most locations and dew points remain in the mid-70s. The combination of these two variables are pushing heat index values over 105° and a Heat Advisory remains in effect today for the western half of Alabama.
Rain chances today and tomorrow are in the 20-40% range. Any summer storm will produce tremendous amounts of lightning, which is the biggest threat this time of year. With such a moisture-rich air mass in place, any storm will also be a prolific rain producer which can lead to areas of isolated flash flooding. At the writing of this forecast, there are some showers across West Alabama and more showers in Central Georgia. Rain and storms today are moving from east to west.
BIRMINGHAM ALMANAC: For July 23rd, the average high for Birmingham is 91° and the average low is 73°. The record high is 105° set in 1952, while the record low is 60° set in 1915. We average 0.17” of precipitation on this date and the record value is 1.99” set in 2024.
USA BRIEF: Dangerous heat is expected across portions of the Central and Southeast U.S. through July. Heavy rains, flash flooding & severe weather are possible across the middle Missouri River Valley and Upper Midwest to the upper Great Lakes. Heavy rains and flash flooding are also possible across portions of the Southeast. A tropical disturbance brings heavy rain to Guam & the Marianas through Saturday.
FRIDAY AND BEYOND: Highs will be in the upper 80s and low 90s on Friday with rain chances in the 40-60% range. Over the week, rain chance fall back into the 20-40% range and highs will return to low and mid 90s both Saturday and Sunday. For next week, the upper-ridge will begin to strengthen some and we are likely going to see highs back in the mid and upper 90s…likely the hottest week of weather so far this year. We are likely going to see more heat advisories as well as heat index values will soar into the danger range once again.
IN THE TROPICS: A trough of low pressure near the southeastern U.S. coast is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Over the next day or two, this system is forecast to move west-southwestward into the north-central portion of the Gulf where some slow development is possible. By this weekend, the system is likely to move inland, ending its chances for development. Regardless of tropical cyclone formation, locally heavy rainfall is possible for portions of Florida over the next day or so, and for the northern Gulf coast through this weekend. Formation chance through 7 days…low…10 percent. The rest of the Atlantic Basin is quiet for now.
WORLD TEMPERATURE EXTREMES: Over the last 24 hours, the highest observation outside the U.S. was 120.9F at Ahwaz, Iran. The lowest observation was -105.7F at Vostok, Antarctica.
CONTIGUOUS TEMPERATURE EXTREMES: Over the last 24 hours, the highest observation was 108F at Stovepipe Wells and Death Valley, CA. The lowest observation was 29F at Capper Basin, ID.
