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STORMS PACKING A PUNCH: Amazing how just a few degrees difference in the layer around 10,000 to 20,000 feet off the ground can make a big difference in the amount of convection on a summer afternoon in Alabama. We were at -9 degrees (C) this morning at 500 mb (about 18,000 feet), compared to -7.9 degrees (C) yesterday morning at the same time. Little things really do make a difference.
The storms that have formed across the state this afternoon are all capable of producing hail and localized areas of straight line wind damage, and a number of severe thunderstorm warnings have been needed. Also, the winds aloft are light and variable, meaning the storms are moving very little, and flooding is also a problem. Four inches of rain was measured near Bessemer in just 65 minutes this afternoon; that is a big time tropical downpour. Greenwood Road was impassible due to high water for a while. Flooding was also reported earlier in Tarrant.
TOMORROW AND THURSDAY: Not much overall change on these two days; partly sunny with scattered showers and thunderstorms, mostly during the afternoon and evening hours. Highs at or just over 90.
FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: The ridge strengthens a bit over the weekend, meaning heat levels will increase a bit (highs mostly in the mid 90s), with fewer showers and storms in the afternoon.
TROPICS: The wave in the Atlantic, east of the Leeward Islands, is dissipating. But, I am very interested in the disturbance in the Southwest Gulf of Mexico. That is where early season systems often form; we will keep an eye on this. See the Weather Xtreme video for more.
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| James Spann | Jason Simpson | Ashley Brand |
| J. B. Elliott | Bill Murray | Brian Peters |
| Dr. Tim Coleman | WeatherBrains Podcast | E-Warn (AL wx watches/warnings) |
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I had a great time today up in Double Springs… be looking for those kids on the Pepsi KIDCAM today at 5:00 on ABC 33/40 News… the next Weather Xtreme video will be posted here by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow…
