At noon, skies were nearly clear across the northern half of Alabama.
Temperatures were already well into the upper 90s across Central Alabama, zooming toward 100F. Dewpoints were relatively low, with a reading of 60F at Birmingham. This dry air is very efficient at heating up.
Some noon temperatures…
Birmingham 96F
Calera 98F
Tuscaloosa 99F
Anniston 97F
Gadsden 93F
Readings will top out in the 100-107 range this afternoon. The slightly cooler readings will be over northeastern sections.
It is interesting to note that the all time August high for Birmingham is 104F. That record could be in jeopardy today and tomorrow.
Even though heat advisories are not in effect and heat indices are not technically in the danger category, still use extreme caution if you are working or playing outside. Wear loose fitting, light colored clothing. Drink plenty of water. Take frequent breaks in an air-conditioned location.
No rain looks possible today. Wishful thinking is that we might see a slight chance of a storm on Thursday, and a little better chance on Friday. Keep your fingers crossed.
QUICK CHECK ON TROPICS
Dean was named as a tropical storm in the eastern Atlantic 1,500 miles east of the islands. It is moving west at 23 mph Top winds are 40 mph. It is expected to slowly intensify ove rthe next five days and be a strong category two or borderline category three hurricane by the weekend. It will threaten the islands of the Caribbean, particularly the northern Leewards, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. If you are planning a trip to the region, check the latest forecasts. After that, Dean could threaten Florida, the Carolinas, the Mid-Atlantic or New England. It could also take a more western track through the Caribbean and into the Gulf still. It is interesting to note that the morning run of the GFS takes it back into the Gulf of Mexico.
A tropical depression is forming in the Gulf of Mexico. An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter plane is scheduled to investigate this afternoon. Thunderstorm activity has intensified north of the Yucatan and is taking on an organized appearnce. This system will quickly become a tropical storm. It will be named Erin. This system will be a threat to South Texas, in the Brownsville area.
