James Spann: Hottest weather so far this year ahead for Alabama
James Spann forecasts hotter weather on the way for Alabama from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
COOL MORNING: We have a cool May morning over north Alabama. Here are some temperatures just before sunrise:
- Gadsden — 50
- Haleyville — 51
- Pell City — 52
- Decatur — 52
- Muscle Shoals — 55
- Huntsville — 56
- Sylacauga — 58
Look for a high in the mid 80s today with a mostly sunny sky; the average high for Birmingham on May 17 is 82. Generally dry weather continues through the rest of the week, with rising heat levels as the ridge across the Deep South strengthens. Look for a high in the low 90s Wednesday, followed by mid 90s Thursday and Friday, easily the hottest weather so far this year.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: The ridge weakens, and as a front approaches showers and thunderstorms will return to the state. The weekend won’t be a washout, but you will deal with a passing shower or thunderstorm from time to time. The highest coverage of showers will likely come on Sunday and heat levels will come down, with highs in the low to mid 80s Saturday and between 78 and 82 degrees Sunday.
NEXT WEEK: The front will wash out over north Alabama Monday and we will be in a warm, humid air mass most of the week, with a mix of sun and clouds daily and a risk of scattered showers and thunderstorms, most active during the afternoons and evenings. Highs will be mostly in the 80s.
TROPICS: The Atlantic basin remains very quiet and tropical storm formation is not expected this week. The hurricane season in the Atlantic basin officially begins June 1.
ON THIS DATE IN 1896: An estimated F5 tornado tracked 100 miles through northeastern Kansas and extreme southeastern Nebraska. Seneca, Oneida, Sabetha and Reserve, Kansas, sustained severe damage. While passing through Reserve, the tornado was 2 miles wide. Twenty-five people were killed and 200 were injured.
ON THIS DATE IN 1979: A reading of 12 degrees at Mauna Kea Observatory established a record low for the state of Hawaii.
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.
