Sizzling Summer Heat
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THE HEAT IS ON: Temperatures will be very close to record levels across North-Central Alabama through the week as the nasty “death ridge” gets closer. The hottest temperatures today will be up north over the Tennessee Valley, where Muscle Shoals soared to 105 yesterday; if anything heat levels this afternoon might even be a little higher.
Down this way, the high yesterday at Birmingham and Tuscaloosa was 101, while Anniston topped out at 99. Today, tomorrow, and Sunday, we figure the afternoon highs will be generally in the 100 to 104 degree range.
Here is a look at record highs for Birmingham in coming days….
TODAY: 106 (1931)
SATURDAY 104 (1931)
SUNDAY 103 (1954)
MONDAY 101 (1954)
I think today’s record is safe (106 is our hottest June temperature on record), but it will be very close tomorrow through Monday.
If there is any good news it is that humidity levels during the peak of the heat were very low yesterday; at one point the humidity at Fort Payne dropped to 15 percent. While dew points will slowly creep up, the heat index just won’t be a factor over the weekend. In fact, the heat index could be a degree or two lower than the actual air temperature where humidity levels are very low.
DUSTY DAYS: And, of course, the ridge means subsidence and no cooling showers through Sunday. The last time was had measurable rain in Birmingham was on June 11, so today will be the 17th consecutive day without rain here. The rain deficit for the year is up to 5.80″.
AT THE BEACH: Expect sunny days and fair nights on the Gulf Coast from Panama City west to Gulf Shores through the weekend; highs will be in the upper 80s on the immediate coast, and sea water temperatures are generally in the mid 80s. The weather looks good next week as well with only isolated showers and storms around.
TROPICS: Tropical storm formation is not expected across the Atlantic basin through the weekend.
NEXT WEEK: Triple digits are still likely Monday, and they could very well happen Tuesday as well. But, the ridge will weaken slowly, and the door will open for a few widely scattered showers and storms by mid-week as highs drop back into the 90s.
Birmingham’s longest streak of consecutive 100 degree days is 10… that happened during the hot August of 2007… from August 7-16 of that year. There is a good chance this streak of triple digit days will reach 6.
See the Weather Xtreme video for more details and all of the maps and graphics that go along with the forecast.
BACKYARD, BANK, AND CAR THERMOMETERS: Just a reminder… they are rarely accurate during this kind of hot weather. I probably had more than three dozen people send me pictures yesterday of displays anywhere from 110 to 125 degrees. Most of these consumer type thermometers don’t have adequate radiation shields, and you really need an aspirating fan. They tend to measure the temperature of the sensor housing, not the air temperature, on really hot days. Stick with the official numbers, which you can find anytime here.
WEATHER BRAINS: Don’t forget you can listen to our weekly 90 minute netcast anytime on the web, or on iTunes. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including our meteorologists here at ABC 33/40.
CONNECT: You can find me on all of the major social networks…
Look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 3:30 or so this afternoon. Enjoy the day!
Category: Alabama's Weather
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
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