RADAR CHECK: Scattered showers and storms are active over Southwest Alabama this afternoon… the northern half of the state is mostly dry. However, strong storms over eastern Mississippi will likely move into Alabama this evening, and as they pass through North/Central Alabama they could produce strong winds and very heavy rain.
SPC has defined a level 2/5 risk of severe storms over the northern half of the state this evening, with a level 1/5 risk down to the coast.
TOMORROW AND THE WEEKEND: Routine summer weather continues tomorrow with a partly sunny sky along with the usual risk of a passing afternoon/evening thunderstorm in scattered spots, but the highest coverage will over the southern counties. Most communities will see a high in the low 90s. Global models are hinting that the air will be drier over the weekend with few showers around; highs will remain generally in the low 90s both days.
NEXT WEEK: Afternoon showers and storms will be isolated Monday and Tuesday, then becoming more numerous over the latter half of the week. Expect high temperatures between 90 and 94 degrees… See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
FOOTBALL WEATHER: High school football is back with games tonight and tomorrow night! Temperatures will fall through the 80s during the games, and there will be thunderstorms around the state in scattered, random places during the evening hours. No way of knowing in advance exactly when and where they pop up; you simply have to watch radar trends. Great risk of storms tomorrow evening will be over South Alabama.
TROPICS: The Atlantic basin remains calm and tropical storm formation is not expected near the U.S. through the weekend. Global models suggest a tropical wave will come off the coast of Africa next week… if by chance anything develops it will likely turn north well east of the U.S.
ON THIS DATE IN 1886: The 1886 Indianola Hurricane destroyed the town of Indianola, Texas and as such had a significant impact on the history and economic development of Texas. The storm ended the rivalry between Galveston and Indianola as the chief port of Texas. With the abandonment of Indianola and the unwillingness of the former residents to rebuild close to shore, Galveston became the essential Texan port until the 1900 Galveston Hurricane led to the rise of Houston as a major port. It was the fifth hurricane of the 1886 Atlantic hurricane season and one of the most intense hurricanes ever to hit the United States.
Look for the next video briefing here by 6:00 a.m. tomorrow…
