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Our pal in the Gulf of Mexico is really having a hard time getting a warm core center and a central dense overcast. I am surprised we don’t have a tropical depression yet, but when it comes to tropical systems (and thunderstorms too), expect the unexpected.
Having said that, I do think this will get organized in a hurry today as it moves toward Southeast Louisiana. The system should go inland as a tropical storm, and tropical storm watches most likely will be posted a little later this morning for the central Gulf coast, including the Alabama coast.
No real change in the forecast track; the center passes just south of the Alabama coast on the journey to Louisiana, and there will be lots of wind and rain all the way from Panama City westward to Gulf Shores later today, tonight, and tomorrow. A coastal flood watch remains in effect for this region, and rain amounts of 2 to 4 inches are likely.
UP THIS WAY: No need to change our ongoing forecast. Dry for the northern half of Alabama today, and any showers tonight should be south of a line from Anniston to Montgomery to Mobile. So, most high school football stadiums will be dry tonight, and a kickoff temperature near 80 degrees. Unfortunately, humidity levels tonight will be higher than recent nights this week.
OUR WEEKEND: The best chance of rain tomorrow will remain from Montgomery on south, over the southern half of Alabama. I guess a few rogue showers could show up as far north as I-20, but not many. Then, deeper moisture moves northward on Sunday and we will mention a chance of scattered showers and storms statewide.
NEXT WEEK: The first half of the week will be warm and very muggy with tropical air in place, and a chance of showers and storms will continue during the first half of the week, thinning out a bit by Thursday and Friday.
FOOTBALL: Tomorrow, Alabama will host Georgia at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa (6:45 p.m. kickoff)…. the sky will be mostly cloudy, and there is just an outside risk of a shower during the game. The kickoff temperature will be near 81 degrees. Auburn hosts New Mexico State at Jordan-Hare Stadium at 6:45; the kickoff temperature will be near 78 degrees with a cloudy sky. Some light rain is possible during that one. And, here in the Birmingham area, Samford has a home game tomorrow evening against SE Missouri State (6:00 p.m. kickoff). The sky will be mostly cloudy with just a small risk of a shower; the kickoff temperature will be close to 80 degrees.
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I am off to Alexander City this morning for a severe weather safety program at the Social Security Administration… I will be back by midday and the next Weather Xtreme video will be posted by 3:30 this afternoon! J.B. will keep you posted through the day on the progress of our tropical system in the Gulf (Jerry???)…..
