RADAR CHECK: While most of Alabama is dry with a sunny sky, a few small, isolated showers have formed over the southern quarter of the state this afternoon. Temperatures are at or over 90 degrees in many areas; Tuscaloosa is one of the hot spots with 94 degrees at mid-afternoon. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low in the 60s.
The weather stays generally dry tomorrow… we expect just a few isolated showers over South Alabama, much like today.
FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: Moisture levels rise Friday, and showers are possible. Otherwise we will see a mix of sun and clouds with most communities reaching the low 90s again. Showers are possible statewide Friday night as moisture continues to feed northward.
With the approach of a cold front and upper trough, periods of rain are likely over the weekend. Here are some notes about what to expect…
*Periods of rain are likely both Saturday and Sunday, but the weekend won’t be a total wash-out.
*Heaviest rain will likely be near the Gulf Coast, where amounts could exceed 3-4 inches. Amounts for the rest of the state will be in the 1-3 inch range, with isolated heavier totals.
*Some thunder is possible, but for now we are expecting severe storms.
*Heat levels will come down due to clouds and showers; the high Saturday will be in the 80s, then in the 78-82 degree range Sunday.
NEXT WEEK: A few lingering showers are possible, mainly over South Alabama, Monday. Then, the rest of the week looks dry and pleasant with highs in the upper 70s/low 80s, and lows in the 50s and 60s. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
TROPICS: Tropical Storm Hanna has dissipated, and the Atlantic basin is quiet; tropical storm formation is not expected for the next seven days.
Global models continue to show some signal of potential development in the far southwest Gulf of Mexico in 7-14 days, but is simply something to watch for now.
FOOTBALL WEATHER: Alabama travels to Starkville to take on Mississippi State Saturday (11a CT kickoff). A few showers are likely during the game… temperatures will be in the low 80s with a mostly cloudy sky.
Auburn is also on the road; they play Tennessee in Knoxville (2:30p CT kickoff). Showers are possible; 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 mostly cloudy afternoon with some rain at times. Temperatures will be in the low to mid 80s at kickoff.
Tuskegee, Alabama A&M, South Alabama, West Alabama all have home games (Alabama A&M plays in Mobile); you will need the rain gear as some rain is possible across all of Alabama Saturday and Saturday night.
ON THIS DATE IN 2022: Hurricane Ian made its final landfall near Georgetown, South Carolina, as a Category 1 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds around 80 mph. This came only two days after its catastrophic Category 4 landfall in southwest Florida.
Look for the next video briefing here by 6:00 a.m. tomorrow…
