SEVERE CLEAR: We have a cloudless sky across Alabama this afternoon with temperatures generally in the 88-92 degree range. Tonight will be clear and pleasant with a low in the 50s and low 60s.
Heat levels rise a bit tomorrow; a large part of the state will see 90 degree heat with a sunny sky. The weather stays generally dry Thursday, although a few spotty afternoon showers are possible.
FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: Moisture levels rise, and showers are possible Friday mainly over the southern half of the state. Then, as a slow moving surface front/upper trough approaches we will deal with a relatively wet weekend. A few points about weekend weather…
*The weekend won’t be a total washout, but expect periods of rain Saturday and Sunday
*While we aren’t expecting severe thunderstorms at this point, some thunder is very possible both days
*Beneficial rain is likely; rain amounts will be in the 2-3 inch range for much of the state
*Heat levels drop due to clouds and rain; highs will be in the low to mid 80s for most places
Drier air begins to arrive Monday; showers become isolated and mainly over the southern half of the state. And, for now, the rest of the week looks generally rain-free with highs in the 70s, and lows in the 50s and 60s. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
TROPICS: The Atlantic basin is quiet. Tropical Depression Fay has dissipated, and Tropical Storm Hannah is expected to dissipate by tomorrow night far from land. No tropical storms or hurricanes are expected near the Gulf or the U.S. for at least the next seven days.
We do note a signal for potential development in the Southwest Gulf at some point during the first two weeks of October (from the European global model). It is simply something to watch for now.
FOOTBALL WEATHER: Alabama travels to Starkville to take on Mississippi State Saturday (11a CT kickoff). Periods of rain are likely during the game, with some potential for lightning as well. Temperatures will hover in the low 80s.
Auburn is also on the road; they play Tennessee in Knoxville (2:30p CT kickoff). Occasional showers are likely, and a thunderstorm is possible as well. Temperatures will hover around 80 degrees during the game.
UAB will host Samford at Protective Stadium in Birmingham Saturday (2:30p CT kickoff). It will be a cloudy afternoon with periods of rain and potential for a thunderstorm. Temperatures will be in the low to mid 80s at kickoff.
Tuskegee, South Alabama, West Alabama all have home games; you will need the rain gear as rain is likely across all of Alabama Saturday and Saturday night. There will be some breaks in the rain, but the overall pattern is wet.
ON THIS DATE IN 1927: An outbreak of tornadoes from Oklahoma to Indiana caused 81 deaths and 25 million dollars damage. A tornado, possibly two tornadoes, cut an eight-mile long path across St Louis, Missouri, to Granite City, Illinois, killing 79 persons.
ON THIS DATE IN 1959: Hurricane Gracie came ashore on Edisto Island, South Carolina as a Category 4 with 130 mph winds, the strongest storm to hit South Carolina until Hugo in 1989. It caused 22 deaths and $14 million in damage.
Look for the next video briefing here by 6:00 a.m. tomorrow…
