James Spann: Alabama stays dry through the weekend as heat levels rise
THIS AFTERNOON: We have a partly sunny sky across Alabama this afternoon with temperatures mostly in the low to mid 80s; the average high for May 19 at Birmingham is 83. Strong southeast winds are gusting to 25-30 mph at times due to a tight pressure gradient over the state, with high pressure to the east and low pressure to the west.
THURSDAY THROUGH THE WEEKEND: A strong upper high will continue to build over the eastern third of the nation; expect mostly sunny days, fair nights and rising heat levels. The high will be in the mid 80s Thursday, followed by upper 80s Friday. Most places will see their first 90-degree high of the year over the weekend. It will feel like summer.
NEXT WEEK: The ridge holds. Afternoon temperatures likely will reach the mid 90s Monday through Wednesday, highs at record levels for late May. Rain-free conditions should continue through the week, although a few isolated showers could show up by Friday.
RAIN UPDATE: Here are rain totals for the year so far, and the departure from average:
- Mobile — 29.71 inches (5.41 inches above average)
- Huntsville — 27.11 (3.88 above average)
- Dothan — 26.46 (5.78 above average)
- Birmingham — 26.3 (2.71 above average)
- Muscle Shoals — 25.89 (3.77 above average)
- Tuscaloosa — 23.59 (1.3 above average)
- Montgomery — 20.17 (0.76 below average)
- Anniston — 16.67 (5.62 below average)
ON THIS DATE IN 1780: The infamous “dark day” in New England tradition. At noon, it was nearly as dark as night. Chickens went to roost, and many people were fearful of divine wrath. The “dark day” was caused by forest fires to the west of New England.
BEACH FORECAST: Click here to see the AlabamaWx Beach Forecast Center page.
WEATHER BRAINS: You can listen to our weekly 90-minute show any time on your favorite podcast app. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including the meteorologists at ABC 33/40.
CONNECT: You can find me on the major social networks:
For more weather news and information from James Spann and his team, visit AlabamaWx.
