Scattered Showers Around Through The Weekend; Afternoons Stay Warm
RADAR CHECK: We have scattered showers and thunderstorms across much of Alabama this afternoon… otherwise we have more clouds than sun with temperatures mostly in the mid to upper 70s. We will maintain the chance of a few showers tonight with a mostly cloudy sky.
The overall pattern won’t change much through the weekend. There will some risk of showers on a daily basis through Sunday, but rain distribution won’t be very even due to the scattered nature of the rain. A rumble of thunder is possible at times. Average rain amounts from today through the weekend will be around one inch, but the range will be from a quarter of an inch to two inches. This won’t break the drought, but it is a start. Temperatures will remain above average with highs in the 77-82 degree range; lows will be in the 60s.
The tropical system in the Gulf will stay well to the south and won’t impact Alabama.
NEXT WEEK: The weather trends drier as the upper ridge rebuilds; just a few isolated showers Monday and Tuesday… the rest of the week will be rain-free with highs in the 70s. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
TROPICS: Hurricane Rafael, with sustained winds of 115 mph, is making landfall in western Cuba this afternoon. It is moving to the northwest at 13 mph, and the system will emerge into the Gulf of Mexico tonight.
The NHC track has been adjusted southward again, keeping it well south of the U.S. central Gulf Coast. Rafael will encounter strong winds aloft, dry air, and cooler sea surface temperatures by Sunday which should induce rapid weakening, and there is a good chance it will be sheared apart in the Gulf by Monday.
FOOTBALL WEATHER: A few scattered showers are possible for the high football playoff games across Alabama Friday night, but nothing heavy or widespread. The sky will be mostly cloudy with temperatures falling through the 70s.
Saturday UAB will host UConn at Protective Stadium in downtown Birmingham (1:30p CT kickoff); expect a mix of sun and clouds with a passing shower possible during the game. Temperatures will hover in the 78-81 degree range.
Alabama will be in Baton Rouge to take on LSU Saturday night (6:30p CT kickoff). The sky will be cloudy with a few periods of rain possible during the game… temperatures will fall slowly through the 70s.
ON THIS DATE IN 1885: A strong/violent tornado moved through Dallas County, passing just west of Selma. A total of 13 people were killed, and over 400 others were injured.
ON THIS DATE IN 1977: Several possible causes lead to the collapse of the Kelly Barnes Dam in Georgia to give way. The failure allowed a 40-acre lake to flood the Toccoa Falls College, killing 39 people and injuring 60 more.
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.
