Thunderstorms are starting to form across Central Alabama this morning. Much as we expected, in the heat and humidity, thunderstorms wil form in clusters today. The first is over Tuscaloosa County, just north of the city of Tuscaloosa. Moving east.
CAPE values are already in the 1500-2500 range across Central Alabama and we are just now reaching the 80s. Dewpoints are around 70F. Lifted indices are already -6 over a wide area.
Not much in the way of convective inhibition now, so storms will start to fire and could become widespread. Those instability values will continue to climb. In addition to the heating of the day, an approaching front will provide additional spark for storm formation.
It will be an active afternoon with plenty of warnings, so get ready. The biggest threat will be from damaging winds. Hail will not be much of a danger, because of the warm atmosphere (the freezing level is up at about 15,000 feet – and can’t be more than 12,000 feet for significant hail to reach the ground.)
Heavy rain will be a threat with precipitable water values of 1.5 inches or higher. Lightning is also a big killer, so stay in protected shelter when storms are in your area.
The SPC has a little more than the northern half of Alabama in a Slight Risk outlook.
Pay close attention to weather information through the day and into the overnight.
