A Few Storms Around This Afternoon

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ON THE RADAR: Some strong storms are out there, but unfortunately they are widely spaced on this hot summer afternoon across Alabama. One of the strongest storms is over Blount County between Oneonta and Hayden… other strong ones are near Anniston, Oakman, and Ashland. With light winds aloft, there is very little movement, and some communities under the heavier storms are being soaked. For the rest of the state, it is a hot day with temperatures well up in the 90s. The hottest spot at 3:00 was Muscle Shoals with 98 degrees, but Birmingham is at 82 with a nearby shower.

TOMORROW AND FRIDAY: Look for highs in the 96 to 99 degree range both days, with lots of hazy sunshine and only isolated afternoon storms. The NWS in Birmingham has issued a heat advisory since heat index values will exceed 100 degrees at times. A few spots could touch the 100 degree mark.

OUR WEEKEND: Saturday will remain hot and humid. But the upper ridge will weaken slightly, perhaps allowing a better coverage of afternoon showers and storms. Sunday should offer a noticeable increase in showers and storms, but that actually depends on the future of our tropical wave now north of Hispaniola.

TROPICAL UPDATE: The wave remains disorganized this afternoon with a decent amount of shear in progress (see the Weather Xtreme video for details). However, the shear should lessen tomorrow, and there is still a pretty good chance this becomes a tropical depression, and ultimately Tropical Storm Bonnie. It should move into South Florida Friday, with the main threat being heavy rain. Then, a second landfall is possible after it moves back into the Gulf of Mexico around the Florida panhandle at some point over the weekend. It remains to be seen if this system will bring beneficial rain to Alabama, but at least the chance is there. We will be watching with interest in coming days; the rest of the Atlantic basin is quiet.

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