RADAR CHECK: A few showers and noisy thunderstorms persist early this morning across parts of North/Central Alabama. These are the leftovers from a big MCS (Mesoscale Convective System) that moved through the northern counties last night with torrential rain, strong winds, and nonstop lightning. The morning storms will fade over the next few hours, but we expect showers and thunderstorms to crank up again this afternoon, mainly over the southern half of the state. SPC maintains a “marginal risk” (level 1/5) of severe thunderstorms for South Alabama for this development.
Like yesterday, heavier storms will be capable of producing strong wing gusts, heavy rain, and lots of lightning. Most places will see a high in the 90-95 degree range today.
THE WEEKEND: While you always have the risk of a pop up shower or storm on a summer day in Alabama, they should be fewer in number tomorrow and Sunday. Odds of any on spot getting wet both days are down in the 15-25 percent range, with afternoon highs in the low 90s for most communities.
NEXT WEEK: Showers/storms remain very isolated Monday and Tuesday with relatively dry air in place, but global models suggest we will see an increase in rain coverage over the latter half of the week. Highs will be in the 87-93 degree range… See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
TROPICS: NHC is monitoring two areas of interest in the central and eastern Atlantic, but they have only a low chance of development and are not close to the U.S. The rest of the Atlantic basin remains quiet over the weekend. A tropical wave will move off the coast of Africa next week, but it by chance anything develops it will likely turn north well before getting close to the U.S.
ON THIS DATE IN 1942: The 1942 Texas hurricane made landfall on the upper Texas coast near Crystal Beach/Bolivar Peninsula, east of Galveston. NOAA’s reanalysis lists it as a Category 1 hurricane with 75 mph winds.
Look for the next video briefing here by 3:00 this afternoon… enjoy the day!
