Strong/Severe Storms Remain Possible Through Tonight
RADAR CHECK: At mid-afternoon showers and a few thunderstorms continue across the northwest corner of Alabama… the rest of the state is mostly cloudy and warm with temperatures in the 77-81 degree range.
SPC has expanded the “enhanced risk” (level 3/5) of severe thunderstorms to include much of Alabama, with the exception of the southwest counties, where a “slight risk” (level 2/5) is in place.
A messy mass of convection will move across Alabama through tonight. The primary surface low and dynamic forcing is well to the north of Alabama, but models are hinting at an increasing low level jet during the evening and nighttime hours, which could bring potential for a tornado or two. Highest tornado threat has actually shifted into the southern 2/3 of the state, but even there this is a conditional threat as it remains to be seen if winds can align for rotating thunderstorm updrafts.
The main concern tonight is from strong thunderstorm winds and hail.
As always, have a reliable way of getting warnings, and have a good severe weather action plan. Keep in mind that a few warnings could be needed for Southeast Alabama after midnight… one reason we prefer for people to have a NOAA Weather Radio as their primary source.
REST OF THE WEEK: Tomorrow will be a breezy and much cooler day for the state with highs in the 60s. Clouds will likely linger much of the day over the northern counties, with lots of sun for the southern part of Alabama. Dry weather continues Thursday and Friday with a good supply of sunshine both days.
FROST/FREEZE POTENTIAL: Lows will drop into the 30s for much of the state Friday and Saturday morning, with a good chance of frost. And, colder spots will have the potential for freezing temperatures. Growers will need to keep a close eye on temperature forecasts. On the positive side, there is a good chance this will be the last frost/freeze threat this season for most places.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Sunny weather continues over the weekend… the high Saturday will be in the 60s, followed by low to mid 70s Sunday.
NEXT WEEK: The weather looks unsettled for much of the week with some chance of rain on a daily basis. Stronger storms will be possible by mid-week… See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
ON THIS DATE IN 1957: An F3 tornado tore through Dallas, TX. 10 people were killed, and 216 were injured. Total damage was $1.5 million. This tornado was among the most photographed and studied in history.
ON THIS DATE IN 1982: Severe thunderstorms spawned fifty-six tornadoes in the central U.S., including seventeen in the Red River Region of Texas and Oklahoma. The tornadoes claimed thirty lives and injured 383 other persons. A violent tornado near Messer, Oklahoma left only the carpet tack strips on the slab of a house it destroyed and carried a motel sign thirty miles.
Look for the next video briefing here by 6:00 a.m. tomorrow…
Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Weather Xtreme Videos
About the Author (Author Profile)
James Spann is one of the most recognized and trusted television meteorologists in the industry. He holds the AMS CCM designation and television seals from the AMS and NWA. He is a past winner of the Broadcast Meteorologist of the Year from both professional organizations.Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
