Temperatures are running about 2 degrees warmer early this afternoon than they were at the same time yesterday, with mid 90s over central Alabama. Expect high temperatures between 95 and 100 in most spots, with a few places over 100 in south Alabama. UAH sensors indicate that temperatures 1 foot off the ground are about 2 degrees hotter than those at 6 feet (where official observations are taken).
A big ridge has settled in, the sunshine is very strong right now (we are only 3 weeks from the solstice), and there are inversions and dry air aloft preventing any cooling afternoon thunderstorms. This time of year, air that sits still heats up. Take a look at the solar energy coming in at UAH.
We’re peaking at about 1,000 Watts per square meter each afternoon (the dips you see are clouds passing overhead). The ground is constantly radiating heat out, too, and some of the incoming energy goes into evaporating soil moisture. When you add all this together, the energy coming in is more than what is going out. So, heat will continue to build, or at least stay steady, over the next few days. We may see a slight increase in moisture by the weekend, bringing isolated afternoon storms. This would cool things down in some places, and also make more of the sun energy go into evaporating water the next day. Either way, expect highs between 95 and 100 through the weekend. It wouldn’t surprise me to see BHM and TCL get to 100 one day between now and Saturday.
Remember to stay hydrated, especially if working outdoors. Take frequent breaks. Check on any elderly people you may know without air conditioning. Try to save power during the day by closing the blinds/curtains on south facing windows, and turn the thermostat up while no one is home. It does not take more energy for the air conditioning to catch up. Think about the pets. As I mentioned above, it is 2 degrees hotter near the ground. Make sure they have plenty of fresh cold water to drink. If you can, let them inside during the heat of the afternoon. I am working from home today, so Jack the Beagle will get to come inside between 3 pm and 7 pm.
