Published On: 05.15.18 | 

By: James Spann

James Spann: Alabama gets humid with sun, showers through the weekend

RADAR CHECK: We have scattered showers and storms on radar across Alabama this afternoon; they are moving southwest today around the top of the circulation in the northeast Gulf of Mexico. Heavier storms are producing heavy rain and gusty winds, but they are below severe levels. These showers and storms will fade away later tonight.

Away from the showers, we have a mix of sun and clouds with temperatures mostly in the 80s, although a few places in west Alabama have reached the 90s.

REST OF THE WEEK AND THE WEEKEND: We continue to watch a broad low-pressure area over the northeast Gulf of Mexico; it is drifting northward and will pull deeper moisture up into Alabama and the Southeast. The National Hurricane Center has reduced the chance of this developing into a tropical or subtropical storm to 10 percent.

There will be a chance of showers and storms daily tomorrow through Sunday with the moist air in place. We have many important outdoor events ahead, including high school graduations, the Regions Tradition at Greystone, the Hangout Music Festival at Gulf Shores and Do Dah Day in Birmingham. For all of these events, here are some important weather points:

  • Rain is possible at times daily, along with some thunder.
  • Severe storms are not expected.
  • The rain won’t be continuous; there will be good breaks between showers, and the sun will be out at times.
  • The best chance of showers will come during the afternoons and evenings, but we can’t rule out a late-night or morning shower as deep moisture will be in place.
  • It is impossible to give the specific start/stop times of the showers for any given point; they will tend to be rather random.
  • Afternoon highs will be generally in the 84- to 88-degree range, slightly above seasonal levels for mid to late May in Alabama.
  • If you hear thunder, GET INDOORS. Lightning is frightening; don’t risk it.

NEXT WEEK: Showers should thin out as the upper ridge redevelops and heat levels creep up a bit.

BEACH FORECAST: Click here to see the AlabamaWx Beach Forecast Center page.

WEATHER BRAINS: You can listen to our weekly 90-minute netcast any time on the web, or on iTunes. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including meteorologists at ABC 33/40.

CONNECT: You can find me on all of the major social networks:

Facebook
Twitter
Google Plus
Instagram
Pinterest
Snapchat: spannwx

For more weather news and information from James Spann and his team, visit AlabamaWx.