The latest edition of the ABC 33/40 Weather Xtreme Video is available in the player below and on iTunes…
It was definitely hot yesterday with highs mainly in the upper 90s. Anniston got to 99, but Pinson and Helena hit the big time with 100 degrees for their highs. Fortunately, it is not going to be quite as hot today but it will be more humid. The drier days are over for now as dew points climb back into the 60s. The added moisture in the air, though, means that we should see highs mainly into the lower and mid 90s.
I really expect to see the area remain dry today. An isolated shower is possible, but I think our rain chances inch upward just a bit through the week. That weakness in the upper air pattern that we’ve been noting for the last several days actually seems to edge a bit closer to Alabama, so this might help to enhance the initiation of afternoon and early evening showers from Tuesday through Thursday.
By Friday there is hope that we will see more numerous showers with the approach of a cold front from the north. The upper air pattern gradually evolves into another east coast trough, and this could have enough amplitude to drive the front down into the area. While cooler and drier air would be nice, I just want the front to get into the area to become a better focus for showers. Rainfall amounts will not be uniform with the showery nature of the precipitation, but with the front to help with shower formation we might see some additional coverage of storms.
The front settles toward the Gulf Coast by Sunday bringing Central Alabama back into dry conditions.
In the longer term, also known as voodoo land, the GFS maintains the pattern of an east coast trough and a Rocky Mountain ridge for several days before evolving back to a ridge pattern across the southern US with the main storm track well to the north.
Great day yesterday in spite of the heat. I had a great time taking the Chaser to the Quad Cities Volunteer Fire Department’s BBQ! and Fun Day event thanks to the invitation of Van Roberts. Then it was back to Cheaha where I spent a little time with the amateur radio folks participating in Field Day, an annual exercise by hams to hone their communication skills in less than ideal situations. It was very nice to see folks that I haven’t spoken with in some time.
James Spann will be back in the saddle bright and early tomorrow morning after his exciting vacation. I’ll be filling in for Jason Simpson this coming week as he takes a week off. So be sure to tune in to Good Morning Alabama and the Mid-Day News for the latest weather information. Have a great Sunday and God bless.
-Brian-
