The entire state of Alabama is bathed in a persistent southerly flow this morning.
Earlier, widespread light showers broke out across North Central Alabama in this pattern of gently rising air. The rich flow of moisture gliding upward as it moves over higher elevations and rising over higher pressure to the north creates clouds and precipitation.
Light showers can occur about anytime in this type of pattern.
It is interesting to see where the rainbands set up in a tropical circulation like this.
Right now…they are over the Northwest part of the state, with increasing showers over Marion, Winston, Cullman, and counties to the north.
Additional showers are forming over Southwest Alabama. They will affect Central, especially West Central Alabama later today.
Some light showers have formed along I-65 in Chilton County.
Everything is moving northward.
If you are in one of the rainbands or find yourself in one of the heavy thundershowers that develop with the heating of the day, expect torrential rains and some lightning. We could also see a repeat of yesterday’s mini-spin up tornado in Chilton County or a low topped strong to severe storm, although that doesn’t appear as likely as then. But don’t be surprised if we get a couple of warnings.
I don’t think we will see the intense heating today that we saw the past two days because of heavy cloud cover across the entire state. There is a little clearing from Walker County over to Blount County, otherwise it is mostly cloudy.
Scroll down to read Dr. Tim’s excellent post on the autumnal equinox.
