RADAR CHECK: Again today we have random, scattered showers and thunderstorms in progress over Alabama. They are most active over the northern and eastern counties of the state… much of South Alabama is rain-free at mid-afternoon. Heavier storms are producing gusty winds and heavy rain; they will fade quickly after sunset.
Alabama’s weather won’t change much through the weekend. A classic dog day pattern with partly sunny days, highs mostly in the low 90s, and random, scattered, mostly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms around. The chance of any one location seeing rain later today is 20-30 percent, and most of the showers will come from noon to 9:00 p.m.
An upper ridge will hold across the Deep South through next week; the main mid-latitude westerlies (the jet stream) will remain well to the north, which is what we expect in August. This means no major weather change; highs hold in the 89-93 degree range for most places with the usual risk of a pop-up afternoon shower or storm. It is simply that time of the year when the weather pattern is very consistent… See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
TROPICS: All remains calm across the Atlantic basin and tropical storm formation is not expected for at least the next 7-10 days.
ON THIS DATE IN 1993: Virginia experienced its worst tornado outbreak ever as 18 tornadoes ripped through the state in 5 hours. The most devastating tornado caused severe damage in the historic part of Petersburg. The storm then moved on to Pocahontas Island and into Colonial Heights. There, the storm ripped apart a WalMart store, killing three people and injuring nearly 200. The F4 twister was the first known violent tornado in Virginia history. It killed a total of 4 people and injured 246 along its 12-mile path.
ON THIS DATE IN 2001: Tropical Storm Barry storm made landfall along the Florida Panhandle near Santa Rosa Beach. It came ashore just shy of hurricane intensity with peak winds of 70 mph. Parts of South Alabama received heavy rain from the system; the total at Evergreen was 4.57″.
Look for the next video briefing here by 6:00 a.m. tomorrow…
