Cool, Wet Weather
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HIGH WINDS ON THE GULF COAST: A wake low on the back side of a large MCS (mesoscale convective system) in the northern Gulf of Mexico has been producing high winds on the Gulf Coast this afternoon; our SKYCAM at Gulf Shores reported a wind gust of 44 mph; we have one report from an oil platform just off the Louisiana coast of 79 mph winds. The NWS reports wind gusts to 53 mph at Mobile Regional Airport and 66 mph at Brookley Field.
These winds were responsible for the Carnival Triumph breaking loose from the port at Mobile… tow boats are on the scene working to move the ship back to BAE Ship Systems where it was undergoing repairs.
UP THIS WAY: Patchy light rain is falling across North/Central Alabama, and temperatures are only in the 40s and 50s (model forecasts of a high in the 60s were way too warm, needless to say). Our weather will stay cool and wet through tomorrow with periods of rain. Additional rain amounts of about one inch are likely, with the heavier totals over the southern half of the state thanks to a surface low passing just south of Mobile Bay. Tomorrow won’t be any warmer; we won’t get out of the 50s with clouds and rain.
The weather improves Friday; any lingering rain should end early in the day, and the sky should begin to clear Friday afternoon as drier air begins to work into the state.
SUNNY WEEKEND: While we will start the weekend with a cool morning Saturday, with lows around 40 degrees, we warm quickly into the mid 70s Saturday afternoon with sunshine in full supply. Sunday will be delightful as well, with a high in the mid 70s.
WARMEST SO FAR: Still looks like we will see our first 80 degree warmth of 2013 next week… especially on Tuesday (the GFS is printing a high of 81). A dynamic storm system will lift out of the Southwest U.S., and will bring the threat of strong to severe storms to Alabama and the Deep South over the latter half of the week. It is way too early to speculate on the severe weather modes, timing, and magnitude of the event with every model run looking a little different on details. Just something to watch closely in coming days. See the Weather Xtreme video for the details, maps, and graphics.
AT THE BEACH: Showers and storms are likely tonight and tomorrow, but sunshine returns Friday, and the weekend looks great along the coast from Panama City west to Gulf Shores. Highs will be mostly in the low to mid 70s… the sea water temperature this afternoon at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab is 66 degrees.
NEED HELP WITH YOUR WEATHER RADIO? We will be at the Publix in McCalla, near McAdory High School tomorrow from 3:30 until 6:30 p.m. If you have questions, need your radio programmed, or need to buy one, come and see us. Now is the time to get ready for severe weather since the core of the season is just ahead.
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…
I had great visits today to see kids at Mount Pleasant Christian School in Susan Moore, and Rocky Ridge Elementary School in Hoover… be looking for them on the Pepsi KIDCAM today at 5:00 and 6:00 on ABC 33/40 News! The next Weather Xtreme video will be posted here by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow…
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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