Hot and Dry Weather Continues
FOR TUESDAY: The sky across Alabama is mainly clear and that is what we are expecting later today as a few fair weather cumulus clouds will be floating over the state. Temperatures will be well above average again today as lower 90s are expected by this afternoon. Unfortunately, no rain today or in the foreseeable forecast. Tonight, we will have a clear sky with overnight lows in mid 60s.
MORE OF THE SAME: With a ridge in place across the Ohio Valley and eastern U.S., very little change is expected in the forecast. Temperatures will remain above average this week under the ridge, but due to lack of moisture and subsidence under the ridge, rain will have a very difficult time materializing this week. Lower 90 expected tomorrow with upper 80s Thursday and Friday for South/Central Alabama. Lows will range from the lower to mid 60s.
HURRICANE MATTHEW: This very dangerous storm is on the move and the latest update from the NHC has the center of Hurricane Matthew located near latitude 17.8 North, longitude 74.4 West. Matthew is moving toward the north near 9 mph and this general motion is expected to continue today. A turn toward the north-northwest is expected by Wednesday, followed by a northwest turn Wednesday night. On the forecast track, the center of Matthew will pass near or over southwestern Haiti during the next few hours, move near eastern Cuba later today, and move near or over portions of the southeastern and central Bahamas tonight and Wednesday, and approach the northwestern Bahamas Wednesday night. Maximum sustained winds are near 145 mph with higher gusts. Matthew is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some fluctuations in intensity are possible during the next couple of days, but Matthew is expected to remain a powerful hurricane through at least Wednesday night. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 miles. The estimated minimum central pressure is 934 mb (27.58 inches).
ELSEWHERE IN THE ATLANTIC: Showers and thunderstorms continue in association with a low pressure area located about 400 miles north-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands. Recent satellite data indicate that the circulation is elongated and the low does not have a well-defined center. However, only a slight increase in organization of this system would result in the formation of a tropical depression during the next day or two before upper-level winds become unfavorable for development. This system is expected to move generally northwestward at 10 to 15 mph during the next few days. The NHC gives this feature a 70% of development the next five days and Nicole is the next name on the list.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: As Hurricane Matthew passes well to the east of Alabama, a nice northerly flow develops, and will pull down cooler air. Highs drop to near 80° bu Sunday, with lower 50s expected for overnight lows as we roll into next week. Sunny days, fair nights as the long dry spell continues.
FOOTBALL WEATHER: Auburn will play at Mississippi State Saturday (11:00a CT kickoff)… the sky will be sunny with temperatures rising from 77 at kickoff, to near 81 degrees by the fourth quarter.
Alabama is also on the road; they play Arkansas at Fayetteville Saturday evening (6:00p CT kickoff)… a perfect evening for football with temperatures falling from 67 at kickoff into the 50s by the fourth quarter. The sky will be clear.
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Have a great day!
Ryan
