Scattered Summer Storms

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RIGHT NOW: A very typical July scene on radar this afternoon. Slow moving thunderstorms on a hot summer afternoon across the Alabama countryside. Generally in random locations producing very heavy rain; earlier flash flood warnings were required for Jackson and DeKalb Counties. The storms are also responsible for very frequent cloud to ground lightning strikes and gusty winds. As I write this around 4:00, the heavier storms were north of Gadsden, north of Huntsville, south of Sylacauga, and west of Jasper.

We note SPC has placed the northern half of Alabama under a slight risk of severe weather through tonight as there will be potential for a few wet microbursts with the stronger storms.

Where rain is falling, temperatures have cooled into the 70s. Away from storms, we have seen mid 90s this afternoon. And, the humidity values remain sky high thanks to those dewpoints in the 70s.

REST OF THE WEEK: We expect a slow increase in the coverage of showers and storms on daily basis through Friday as the upper ridge weakens a bit across Alabama. And, heat levels will be coming down every so slowly. Highs should be closer to 90 by Friday, and some spots could fail to reach the 90 degree mark where showers form early in the day.

WEEKEND PEEK: Not much change… partly sunny Saturday and Sunday with the chance of scattered, mostly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. A morning shower can’t be totally ruled out in spots. Highs at or just over 90, and most places will have about a 50/50 chance of getting wet. The latest QPF guidance from NCEP hints that most of Alabama should see 2 inches of rain between now and Sunday. The daily rain, of course, won’t be evenly distributed, but the average amounts should be pretty beneficial.

Typical summer weather continues into early next week.

TROPICAL WEATHER: All is quiet across the Atlantic basin and tropical storm formation is not expected through the rest of the week.

AT THE BEACH: About 5 to 7 hours of sun each day along the Gulf Coast from Panama City west to Gulf Shores with the daily chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms. Highs will stay close to 90 along the immediate coast, with sea water temperatures in the upper 80s.

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I had a great time today visiting with the kids at Anniston Army Depot Child, Youth and School Services. Be looking for them on the Pepsi KIDCAM today at 5:00 on ABC 33/40 News. The next Weather Xtreme video will be posted by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow….

Tags: storms, sun

Category: Alabama's Weather