SOME RAIN AT TIMES: Moisture levels are rising across the Deep South, and we will forecast occasional rain through the weekend. Here are the key messages…
*The most widespread rain across Alabama today and tomorrow will be over the southern quarter of the state, especially near the coast. For North and Central Alabama, scattered showers will certainly be around, but the rain won’t be especially widespread or heavy. In fact the sun could break out at times tomorrow pushing afternoon temperatures into the 87-91 degree range.
*We expect widespread rain statewide on Sunday. Not raining all day, but a decent part of the day. Some thunder is possible, but there is no risk of severe thunderstorms. Temperatures will hold in the 70s all day due to clouds and rain.
*Rain amounts for far South Alabama could exceed 3 inches between now and Sunday night. Amounts will be in the 1-2 inch range for the central counties, with generally under one inch for North Alabama.
NEXT WEEK: A few lingering showers are possible Monday over the southern part of Alabama, otherwise the week looks rain-free with mostly sunny warm afternoons and clear cool nights. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
TROPICS: An area of low pressure associated with the remnants of former Tropical Storm Fay is located several hundred miles southeast of Bermuda. Despite ongoing thunderstorm activity, dry air and strong upper-level winds are expected to prevent significant re-development while it moves northwestward, to the east of Bermuda. Any formation chances should end by Sunday due to very strong upper-level winds. Chance of development is only 10 percent.
Tropical storm formation is not expected across the Atlantic basin for the next seven days. We continue to see some signal of potential development over the far Southwest Gulf late next week, but probabilities have come down.
FOOTBALL WEATHER: For tonight’s high school football games, scattered showers will be around, but nothing too widespread or heavy. Temperatures will fall into the 70s.
Alabama travels to Starkville to take on Mississippi State tomorrow (11a CT kickoff). A shower is certainly possible, but much of the game should be rain-free. Temperatures will be in the 80s.
Auburn is also on the road; they play Tennessee in Knoxville (2:30p CT kickoff). A shower is possible, but much of the afternoon is now looking dry. Temperatures will hover around 80 degrees during the game.
UAB will host Samford at Protective Stadium in Birmingham tomorrow (2:30p CT kickoff). A shower is possible during the game, but the rain won’t be widespread and much of the afternoon should be dry. Temperatures will be in the mid to upper 80s at kickoff.
Tuskegee, Alabama A&M, South Alabama, West Alabama all have home games (Alabama A&M plays in Mobile); a few showers are possible at each stadium.
ON THIS DATE IN 1898: A Category 4 hurricane made landfall in Georgia. This is the most recent major (Cat 3 or stronger) hurricane to make landfall in Georgia. It made landfall on Cumberland Island in Camden County, Georgia, causing record storm surge flooding. The hurricane caused heavy damage throughout the region, and killed at least 179 people. Impact was most severe in Brunswick, where a 16 ft storm surge was recorded.
Look for the next video briefing here by 3:00 this afternoon… enjoy the day!
