Tropical Action Ahead For The Gulf

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TODAY: The weather across Alabama won’t change much today… drier air continues to cover North Alabama, meaning the majority of showers and storms today will remain across the southern counties of the state. Highs around here should be in up in the mid 90s with a good supply of sunshine, and afternoon showers and storms should be few and far between.

TOMORROW AND FRIDAY: Moisture surges northward, and we expect an increase in the coverage of scattered showers and storms both days. Highs will drop about 3 to 5 degrees due to the clouds and showers, and a a strong storm or two is likely, with potential for a few wet microbursts. As usual, the strongest storms should come during the peak of the daytime heating process.

OUR WEEKEND: For now we will broad brush the forecast with the standard mid-summer forecast… partly sunny, hot days with the risk of scattered, mostly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. Highs over the weekend should be in the low to mid 90s, which is where we should be at the end of July, which statistically is the hottest part of the summer season here.

BIRTH OF DON? The disturbance in the Yucatan Channel continues to look better organized this morning, and it is expected to becoming Tropical Storm Don within the next 24 hours. There is considerable model spread, but the idea is that Don should move into the Texas coast late this week. Some guidance has Don coming into the lower Texas coast, around South Padre Island, while others like the GFDL favor Galveston.

Intensity models generally keep Don as a tropical storm, and if that is the case, this storm could be a big blessing for a parched Lone Star State that seriously needs rain. Interests along the Texas coast will need to keep an eye on this one… it will not impact the Central Gulf Coast or Alabama directly.

Be sure and see the Weather Xtreme video for more details and all the graphics associated with this developing tropical cyclone.

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I will be speaking to a summer program for kids today at Gadsden State Community College… look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 3:30 or so this afternoon. Enjoy the day!

Tags: don

Category: Alabama's Weather