A Tale of Two Air Masses
The state of Alabama is currently being bisected by a stalled frontal boundary roughly parallel to the U.S. 80 corridor running from Meridian, MS east to Troy. Just to the north of this boundary and across South Alabama, it remains rather muggy with dew points in the 70s, however, across northern portions of Alabama, dew points are in 50s and 60s and oh so comfortable. The drier air is ever so slowly trying to move south through the state, but it is having a hard time doing so as the upper-level support is lacking. Due to the continue elevated dew points the threat of some isolated showers and storms will remain in the forecast for this afternoon.
FADING FIONA: The center of Tropical Depression Fiona was located near latitude 25.8 North, longitude 63.4 West. The depression is moving toward the west-northwest near 13 mph and a gradual turn toward the northwest with a decrease in forward speed is expected over the next 48 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts. Fiona is expected to become a remnant low within the next couple of days.The estimated minimum central pressure is 1010 mb (29.83 inches).
HELLO GASTON: We have our sixth name storm of the season as Tropical Storm Gaston has formed out in the eastern Atlantic. The center of Tropical Storm Gaston was located near latitude 13.2 North, longitude 32.4 West. Gaston is moving toward the west-northwest near 20 mph and this general motion with a slight decrease in forward speed is expected during the next couple of days. Additional strengthening is forecast, and Gaston is expected to become a hurricane by Wednesday. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1004 mb (29.65 inches).
ELSEWHERE IN THE TROPICS: A tropical wave located about 400 miles east-southeast of the
Leeward Islands is producing widespread cloudiness and thunderstorms. Conditions are marginally conducive for gradual development while the disturbance moves west-northwestward to westward at 15 to 20 mph. Environmental conditions are expected to become more conducive for a tropical depression to form by late this week when the system is forecast to move near Hispaniola and Puerto Rico, and the southeastern and central Bahamas. An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is scheduled to investigate this system later this morning. Interests in the central and northern Lesser Antilles, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico should monitor the progress of this system.This system could become Hermine.
LOWER RAIN CHANCES: The area of high pressure will be sliding east and we are going to see a bit of an easterly flow into the state. That will allow for slightly lower rain chances this week, but still there is still plenty of low-level moisture in place across the state, and that will allow for the daily threat of isolated to scattered showers and storms and due to the ridge, the coverage of showers and storms each day won’t be as high as recent days. Fairly routine late August weather expected through Friday as we are forecasting more sun than clouds, hot afternoons with highs in the mid-90s. It will be humid, but not as humid as it can be, as dewpoints could be in the upper 60s.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Little change for the weekend, as easterly flow and the upper ridge look to hang around. We should see plenty of sunshine both Saturday and Sunday with only a few passing isolated storm. It will still be hot with highs in the lower to mid 90s, while nights will be fairly nice with lows in the 70s.
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Have a Terrific Tuesday!
Ryan
