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RIGHT NOW: Tropical downpours continue in scattered pockets across the great state of Alabama. Shortly before 3:00 some of the heaviest rain was over Cullman, Tuscaloosa, and Pickens Counties… all of the showers and storms are moving to the west/southwest at about 15 mph. Like the storms of recent days, they will produce heavy rain, gusty winds, and lots of lightning. These will die down tonight, although with a tropical system in place some showers could linger well into the nighttime hours.
TD5 IN THE GULF: The broad low that has been looping around the Deep South in recent days is back over the Gulf, about 100 miles south of Pensacola Beach. Whether this is classified as a depression again or not, the impact will be the same; locally heavy rain. The low should move into Southeast Louisiana tomorrow, with a turn to the north, and then northeast during the mid-week period. This keeps Alabama on the very moist east side of the circulation, so there will be some risk of showers and storms on a daily basis through Friday. The best coverage of storms could very well come on Wednesday and Thursday when most guidance is pretty aggressive with rain across Alabama. Average rain amounts of 1 to 2 inches are likely through Friday; some spots could see more.
80s? We note the GFS is printing highs of 89 and 87 for Birmingham on Wednesday and Thursday respectively; our long string of consecutive 90 degree days could be in danger. Today is the 43rd day in a row with a high of 90 or higher.
WEEKEND PEEK: Not much change; the tropical low will have dissipated by then, but the deep moisture lingers. So, expect a mix of sun and clouds Saturday and Sunday with scattered showers and storms possible both days. Highs will be generally in the low 90s.
VOODOO LAND: We note the GFS is showing a couple of tropical systems off in the Atlantic in the medium range (7 to 16 days); see the Weather Xtreme video for the details. No doubt the tropics will be ramping up in coming weeks as the Cape Verde season gets underway.
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