Stay Weather Aware on Friday, Cold front brings strong storms

Weather Aware Friday for Dangerous Heat and Humidity

Drought Update : There was some improvement with the drought across Central Alabama along and south of I-20 where the drought has ended. However, severe drought conditions persist for parts of Lamar, Fayette, Walker & Marion Counties. This improvement is from the much-needed rain last week.

Friday : On Friday, the heat dome of high pressure will start to break down. We will still be very hot and humid with highs in the middle 90s, and the heat index 102-107°. Another Heat Advisory is in effect.

However, there will be a better chance for spotty storms in the late afternoon/evening, between 2 PM and 10 PM, as a cold front moves into North Alabama. A few storms could be strong to severe with gusty winds, small hail, and heavy downpours.

SPC has placed much of Central Alabama in a level 1/5 Marginal Risk for severe storms. The threat is low, but something to keep an eye on during the evening.

Weekend Outlook : The weather pattern starts to change this weekend. The heat dome will continue to weaken and move to the west. A trough of low pressure will move over the eastern U.S. and send a weak cold front into Alabama Saturday morning. Saturday will still be hot and humid, but there will be scattered storms. Not everyone will see rain. High temperatures will be lower to mid-90s, and the heat index will be 100-105°+. Sunday will be partly cloudy, hot, and humid with only a few pop-up storms in the afternoon/evening. Highs will be in the lower 90s, and the heat index will be around 105°.

Next Week’s Outlook : The cold front will move toward South Alabama on Monday into Tuesday. This will not cool us down, but we may see a tad less humid air with dew points in the upper 60s to around 70°. Each day will be partly cloudy with only a shower possible. Highs will be in the middle 90s, and the heat index 100-105°. The forecast Wednesday through Friday will depend on what the possible tropical system in the Eastern Gulf will track, so expect some changes. Right now, we will be partly cloudy, hot, and humid with a few pop-up storms. Highs stay in the middle 90s and the heat index is around 105°.

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