Strong/Severe Storms Possible Later Today

ACTIVE WEATHER LATER TODAY: The weather is quiet early this morning across Alabama; temperatures are mostly in the upper 50s and low 60s. We are watching a mass of thunderstorms over far southern Missouri and northern Arkansas; this MCS (Mesoscale Convective System) will roll steadily to the southeast, and should wind up in Alabama this afternoon.

SPC has defined a “slight risk” (level 2/5) for parts of West Alabama for this afternoon… it includes places like Tuscaloosa, Hamilton, Fayette, Vernon, Reform, Eutaw, and Livingston. A “marginal risk” (level 1/5) extends as far east as Oneonta, Pell City, Rockford, and Prattville.

TIMING: Storms could enter Northwest Alabama as early as 1:00 this afternoon… they reach Cullman/Birmingham/Tuscaloosa by 4:00… then moving into East Alabama after 6:00.

THREATS: The main threats will come from strong, potentially damaging winds, and hail. Forecast wind profiles suggest the tornado threat is very low.

RAIN: The MCS will move quickly, so rain amounts should be 1/2 inch or less for most places. Flooding is not expected.

Prior to the arrival of the thunderstorms, the day will be mostly cloudy and mild with a high in the low to mid 70s this afternoon.

TOMORROW/FRIDAY: A decent part of the day tomorrow should be dry; best chance of showers and storms will be over the Tennessee Valley of far North Alabama, where SPC has a “marginal risk” (level 1/5) of severe storms defined.

The high tomorrow will be in the mid 70s with more clouds than sun. Then, on Friday, a few passing rain showers are likely as a surface front drops down to near the Alabama/Tennessee state line and becomes stationary. Friday’s high will be in the mid to upper 60s.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: We have introduced the chance of a few isolated showers Saturday, but still most of the day will be dry with a mix of sun and clouds along with a high around 70. Scattered showers are more likely Sunday, but the day won’t be a “wash-out”. The sky will be generally cloudy Sunday with a high at or just over 70.

NEXT WEEK: Mild weather continues; afternoon highs will be well up in the 70s. Some parts of the state could flirt with 80 degrees on a day or two. A most airmass will stay in place, and there will be some risk of showers on most days, but no sign of any severe thunderstorm or flooding issues. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

ON THIS DATE IN 1990: Forty-four cities in the central and eastern U.S. reported record high temperatures for the date. Record highs included 71 degrees at Dickinson and Williston, North Dakota and 84 degrees at Lynchburg Virginia, Charleston, and Huntington West Virginia. Augusta Georgia and Columbia South Carolina tied for honors as the hot spot in the nation with record highs of 88 degrees.

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I have a weather program this morning at Elvin Hill Elementary in Columbiana… look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 4:00 this afternoon. Enjoy the day!

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Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Weather Xtreme Videos