WARM TODAY; FEW SHOWERS TONIGHT… Warm temperatures and increasing cloudiness will be our weather headlines locally today. While no severe weather issues are expected across south Alabama or northwest Florida today, there could be a major severe weather outbreak later today across parts of Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana. Parts of those states are being monitored for a potential upgrade to a rare Level 5 (out of 5) high risk of strong tornadoes. We note that north Alabama could have a few strong storms later today as well (although probably nowhere close to the intensity of the storms expected across the Midwest). Closer to home, we’re expecting a few showers overnight into Sunday. Let’s look at all the details.
MAJOR SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK TO OUR NORTH TODAY… The Storm Prediction Center has included parts of Illinois in a highly uncommon Level 4 (out of 5) significant severe weather risk zone. There is a chance of an outbreak of significant/strong tornadoes in areas in or near Bloomington and Peoria in Illinois. Be aware of this if you happen to be traveling in or near that area. If you have family or friends there, be sure to reach out and make sure they’re aware of this extreme risk area. SPC has indicated they will consider upping part of this zone into an exceedingly rare Level 5 (out of 5) HIGH risk zone later today. Regardless of the risk level, a dangerous, high-impact severe weather setup is expected with multiple strong or violent tornadoes being possible.
STRONG STORMS POSSIBLE IN NORTH ALABAMA… Parts of north Alabama are involved in a Level 2 (out of 5) severe weather risk today into tonight, meaning isolated severe storms will be possible. The northwestern corner of Alabama, in areas near Florence, Muscle Shoals, Russellville, Moulton, and Ardmore are involved in the Level 2 risk zone. Most areas north of Interstate 59 are involved in the lower-end, Level 1 (out of 5) risk zone. This includes communities like Scottsboro, Boaz, Albertville, Cullman, Jasper, Fayette, and Aliceville. While the overall severe weather risk is lower in those communities, the risk is not entirely zero.
NO SEVERE WEATHER RISK LOCALLY TODAY… While storms could be plentiful later today from the midwestern U.S. into the northern parts of Alabama and Mississippi, there is no formal risk of severe weather anywhere locally in south Alabama or northwest Florida. Showers will become possible tonight, but severe weather is NOT expected locally.
FEW SHOWERS TONIGHT INTO SUNDAY… Vast majority of our region will remain dry today into tonight. There could be a few showers late this evening across the far western part of Alabama. Clarke and Washington counties will have the highest (20-30%) chance of rain locally this evening. That is the approximate rain chance regionwide on Sunday as well. Temperatures will peak in the upper-80s today with mid-80s likely on Sunday afternoon.
MOSTLY CLOUDY & WARM MONDAY… Our last day with temperatures in the 80s (for a few days anyway) will happen on Monday. Clouds will increase in coverage from west to east across the region on Monday ahead of higher rain chances on Tuesday.
STORMS POSSIBLE TUESDAY… Rain chances on Tuesday are now in the 70-80% range. There could be a few strong to marginally severe storms on Tuesday locally as a cold front slides across our region from the northwest.
COOLER END TO NEXT WEEK… Temperatures will be close to our climatology norms for this time of year as we get into the latter half of the upcoming week. Highs will be in the 70s with lows in the 40s inland and near 50° closer to the coast.
CARDS FOR THE ELDERLY… Please don’t forget to take advantage of our new RedZone Weather Cards for the Elderly program. We want to be able to safely send as many encouraging cards as possible to our local senior adults in nursing homes. Be sure to visit the link below for all the information. This is an opportunity for students and adults across our region to write encouraging notes to elderly people currently under lockdown in local nursing homes due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/400827163408962/posts/1525439774281023/
APP ALERTS… redzoneweather.com/app is the link where you can download the free RedZone Weather app. We post brief updates throughout each day in the app, keeping you up-to-date about the latest happenings in weather across south Alabama and northwest Florida. Once you have the free app downloaded to your iOS or Android device, be sure to visit the Alerts tab (lower right corner) then tap the large, yellow Alert Settings button to customize the alerts you would like to receive straight from me.
Have a great Saturday!