ISOLATED STORMS TODAY; RAIN CHANCES RISE THURSDAY INTO FRIDAY… Heat index values will be above 100 degrees in many spots today as we will have plenty of heat and plenty of humidity in place across south Alabama and northwest Florida. We have a chance of a few thunderstorms this afternoon into this evening with the main concerns being localized heavy rain and cloud-to-ground lightning. Rain chances are set to rise over the next few days as we get into the holiday weekend. The good news is the tropics are quiet and are set to remain quiet in the days ahead. Let’s discuss your forecast details…
LOW-END RISK OF A FEW STRONG STORMS THIS EVENING… The Storm Prediction Center maintains a low-end, Level 1 (out of 5) marginal severe weather risk for much of central Alabama due to a small chance of a few stronger or marginally severe thunderstorms today. The concern is that a mesoscale convective system (MCS) or complex of thunderstorms develops later this evening and moves south. The leading edge of this system, if it develops, will likely produce gusty winds capable of knocking down a few trees. The overall tornado risk locally today remains near or at zero for most spots. If storms become strong today, the issue will be gusty winds and the low end chance of hail.
FOURTH OF JULY FORECAST: SCATTERED STORMS, HEAT, HUMIDITY… Showers and thunderstorms will become more numerous as we approach the 4th of July Independence Day holiday on Saturday. Most spots will have rain at some point during the daytime hours on the 4th, so if you have outdoor event plans, make sure to have the option of getting indoors quickly. Widespread severe weather is not expected, but storms may produce very heavy rain, gusty winds, and cloud-to-ground lightning.
TROPICS ARE QUIET FOR NOW… The tropical wave previously labeled INVEST 96L, located east of the Lesser Antilles, has fizzled out. The rest of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico are quiet. No tropical storm formation is expected over the next 5-7 days. Good news!
APP… If you haven’t already, be sure to download the free RedZone Weather app to keep up with all the latest information on the world of weather in south Alabama and northwest Florida. redzoneweather.com/app is the link for the free download. Once you have the app downloaded to your iOS or Android device, be sure to visit the Alerts tab (lower right corner) and tap the large, yellow Alert Settings button to customize the alerts you would like to receive straight from me.’’
See all the details in your Wednesday #rzw forecast video… Have a great Wednesday!