Noon Update: Improving Conditions for Alabama, Gusty Winds Through This Evening

The remnants of Hurricane Helene continue to impact the region today as the storm lifts northwestward over northeastern Tennessee. Hard to believe it was just making landfall barely 12 hours ago in the Florida Big Bend. Tallahassee doged a big bullet, but there is terrible devastation in places like Perry and Horseshoe Beach, Cedar, Key, and Crystal River. There are unfortunately 20 fatalities I am told.

Clouds are slowly breaking up over the northern half of ALabama. Some light to moderate rain still covers the very northern portion of our state. Winds continue to gust to 15-25 mph.

The flood watch has been allowed to expire across Alabama, and the tropical storm warning has been downgraded to a wind advisory for most counties. The wind advisory remains in effect until 10 PM for the northeast counties, while it will expire at 10 AM for the southeast and continue until 1 PM for the northwest counties. This advisory highlights the potential for gusty winds up to 35 mph, particularly on the backside of Helene, as it continues to influence the state’s weather pattern.

Expect mostly cloudy skies across the area, with some clearing during the afternoon as drier air moves in from the west. Any remaining showers should taper off quickly by late afternoon as Helene moves further away. High temperatures will reach the mid-70s, with breezy southwest winds throughout the day. Tonight, clouds will persist, and there could be a few lingering showers.

Looking ahead to the weekend, the remnants of Helene will remain in the region, bringing wraparound moisture and a slight chance of showers on Saturday, mainly for the northern parts of the state. However, conditions will gradually improve with a mix of sun and clouds, and temperatures will climb back into the upper 70s to lower 80s. By Sunday, most areas will see more sunshine with only a slight chance of a stray shower in the afternoon, as the system finally pulls away to the northeast.

Next week promises more settled weather as high pressure builds in from the west. This will bring dry and sunny conditions to much of Alabama, with pleasant highs in the lower 80s and lows in the lower 60s. It looks like we’ll finally get a taste of autumn as the cooler and drier air settles in.

Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Social Media, Tropical