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THIS AFTERNOON: Most communities are in the 86-89 degree range this afternoon with a partly sunny, hazy summer-like sky. The radar is quiet; closest showers and storms are to the north over Tennessee. We are projecting cooler days ahead with some rain at times as the big upper trough lifts out of the Southwest U.S.
With so much interest in the potential for rain conflicting with outdoor activities in coming days, let’s take it one day at a time as we go through the weekend…
TOMORROW: While we can’t rule out a shower in spots tomorrow morning, it looks like the best chance of showers and storms will come during the afternoon and evening hours. SPC maintains a slight risk of severe weather for extreme West Alabama back into Mississippi; I still do not expect a really significant severe weather problem. A strong storm or two is possible, with the main threat coming from hail and gusty winds. There is very little veering of the wind with height, meaning no tornado threat. The high will be in the low 80s, which is where we should be in mid-May in Alabama.
SATURDAY: It looks more and more like the best chance of showers could very well come during the morning hours, with a dry slot moving into the state during the afternoon. Most of the showers and storms should be over Georgia by mid to late afternoon, with some sun breaking through the clouds over Alabama. So, the bottom line is that showers are still possible Saturday, and maybe even a thunderstorm somewhere, but the main threat comes during the morning. And, we turn cooler with a high in the mid 70s.
SUNDAY: This day is looking drier every run. We have a dual-barrel type upper low, and the first segment will be east of the state, with the second one way back over Missouri. So, with little upper support, it looks like the day will be generally dry with a mix of sun and clouds along with a high in the low to mid 70s. Showers that do form should be rather isolated in nature.
MONDAY: The main part of the ULL moves right over North Alabama Monday afternoon, so the day looks cool and unsettled with a chance of showers. The heavier showers might even produce some small hail with no thunder and lightning due to the very cold air aloft. And, more than likely, we won’t see 70 degrees.
REST OF NEXT WEEK: Dry weather is the story Tuesday through Friday, with sunny days, clear nights, and a slow warming trend.
LONG RANGE: Watch the Weather Xtreme video and you will see the GFS is showing the first tropical system of the season over the Caribbean around May 28… but we all know that is voodoo, and the GFS is famous for bogus tropical systems 15 days in advance. But, it is a reminder the hurricane season is just around the corner. Still no sign of any significant severe weather setup for Alabama for the rest of the month.
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I had a great time today visiting with the students at Eura Brown Elementary School in Gadsden… be looking for them on the Pepsi KIDCAM today at 5:00 on ABC 33/40 News. The next Weather Xtreme video will be posted by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow…
