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UNSETTLED SUMMER WEATHER: With a general weakness in the upper ridge across the Deep South, we expect scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms again this afternoon and tonight statewide. Like recent days, the storms could be strong with very heavy rain, vivid lightning, and potential for a few wet microbursts, like the one we had in Trussville yesterday. The main window for the storms will come from about 1:00 until 10:00 p.m.
Heat levels continue to back down; most places will see a high in the low 90s today before the storms cool things down.
TOMORROW AND THE WEEKEND: Interesting to note that both the NAM and the GFS back our highs down into the mid to upper 80s on these three days due to clouds and showers, and we will probably need to trend lower in our forecast. Don’t think anyone will complain about that here in the middle of July.
The sky will be occasionally cloudy each day with a good chance of showers and storms, especially during the afternoon and evening hours. Rain amounts should average one to two inches, with locally heavier amounts. If you have something planned outdoors, understand it won’t be a total wash-out, but a few passing showers and strong storms are likely.
NEXT WEEK: Unfortunately we will trend hotter and drier next week, as a 5950 meter 500 mb ridge rebuilds across the Deep South by mid-week. Thanks to the good top soil moisture, the heat won’t run away from us, but mid 90s are likely for sure, with a few upper 90s possible as well, especially over West Alabama. There will be showers and storms around each afternoon, but they should be more widely spaced.
GULF COAST WEATHER: Look for a mix of sun and clouds each day through Sunday with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Generally speaking, you can expect about 4 to 6 hours of sunshine each day. Highs along the immediate coast will be close to 90 degrees, and the sea water temperature at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab last night was was 88 degrees.
IN THE TROPICS: It remains very quiet, and tropical storm formation is not expected through the end of the week across the Atlantic basin.
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I will be over in East Alabama today speaking to the Oxford Kiwanis Club… look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 3:30 or so this afternoon. Enjoy the day!
