Potential Severe Weather Threat Tonight
Another wet start to the day across South-Central Alabama. Showers and a few storms are moving across the area this morning. No severe weather currently, and most of the day, should be severe weather free in South Alabama. We are forecasting temperatures to climb from the 60s this morning into the mid-70s this afternoon.
SEVERE WEATHER SET-UP: Southerly flow is bringing in more warm, moist air into the state. In the upper-levels, a shortwave is moving out of the Plains and will be moving into the Mississippi and Tennessee Valley. This shortwave will enhance shear, as well as bring cold air into the upper-levels. With cold air aloft, and very warm air in the lower levels, this means an unstable air mass, which will allow for plenty of upward motion. Thunderstorms are ongoing this morning to our west, and this activity will be moving east today and will be tapping into this unstable air mass. That is why we are expected severe weather throughout much of the South today and into tonight. The latest convective outlook from the SPC, has the entire state of Alabama included in a risk for severe weather. The greatest severe weather threat for Alabama will be across northern portions of the state. However, we could certainly see severe storms across South-Central Alabama. The threat with today and tonight’s potential severe weather will be damaging winds, hail, very heavy rainfall, and the threat of a few tornadoes.
HEADING INTO TONIGHT: Urging folks to stay weather aware the next 24-36 hours! The rain and storms from this morning will move out of the area late in the morning. By this afternoon, showers and storms begin to develop to our north and west. We will be watching this activity as it moves towards the east. Additionally, showers and storms could develop over the region today and these could reach severe limits. Our thinking is that the main severe weather threat for South Alabama will be during the overnight hours. However, the threat is a prolonged and this will not be a quick event as the severe weather threat will continue well into tomorrow.
CALL TO ACTION: If you are reading this, then you are aware of the situation and stay informed. My concern is for those who don’t pay attention; please tell your friends and neighbors about this threat. So many people are traveling this time of the year, making it harder to reach the masses.
