Typical August Weather
The ridge off the Southeast Coast will continue to be the main feature impacting our weather the next few days. For today, we will have a partly to mostly clear sky across South/Central Alabama. By this afternoon, there will be a few isolated to scattered showers/storms tracking north throughout the state, but for the most part, these will be few and far between, and most of will be staying dry today. It will be a hot and humid afternoon as temperatures should reach the mid 90s, and heat index values should be over 100° at times. Expect a near repeat for the weather on Wednesday.
THE TROPICS: We are rapidly approaching the heart of the Atlantic hurricane season with still very calm conditions throughout most of the Atlantic basin, except for one potent tropical wave. A large area of cloudiness and thunderstorms located about 450 miles southwest of the Cape Verde Islands is associated with a tropical wave. Environmental conditions are expected to be conducive for development, and a tropical depression is likely to form during the next few days while the system moves west-northwestward to northwestward toward the central tropical Atlantic. It will not impact the U.S. as the global computer models pull this feature northwest into the Central Atlantic. If it reaches storm status, it will be our “F” storm, Fiona.
INCREASING RAIN CHANCES: For the second half of the week, the upper ridge begins to weaken again, and we expect an increase in the number of scattered showers and storms. We will forecast a mix of sun and clouds Thursday and Friday, and rain chances look to be on the order of the 40-50% range. With the increase in clouds and higher rain chances, afternoon highs should be held in the upper 80s for most communities.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: With a weaker ridge, and a surface front slowly approaching from the north, looks like we will have scattered to numerous showers and storms Saturday and Sunday with highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Understand it won’t rain all weekend, but passing showers or storms are a pretty good possibility from time to time.
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Have a Terrific Tuesday!
Ryan
