STORMS LIKELY AT TIMES TODAY; WET PATTERN THIS WEEK… The “splash and dash” thunderstorms of summer will pop up across south Alabama and northwest Florida this afternoon into this evening. Widespread rain and storms will fire up later today across the region, paving the way for most spots to pick up between a quarter and half of an inch of rainfall. There could be some spots that remain dry today, but most areas will have rain and probably some thunder before the end of the day. Tornadoes are not expected today, and any storms that ramp up to severe levels will probably be very brief with the main concern being gusty winds. High temperatures will be in the mid- to upper-80s. This same pattern will essentially be on repeat over the next few days. Details about the tropics, including the latest discussion about the tropical system now inland over the Florida Panhandle, are below.
TROPICAL DISTURBANCE NOW INLAND OVER FLORIDA PANHANDLE… The center of a tropical disturbance that was in the northern Gulf of Mexico crossed the Florida Panhandle coast overnight near Port St. Joe and Mexico Beach. The National Hurricane Center suggests there is a growing (40+%) chance that this system will move eastward and emerge over the warm waters of the southwestern Atlantic tomorrow or Wednesday. That is when the system may become a tropical storm and lift northeast, basically paralleling the coastline of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The good news is this system won’t have a noticeable impact on our weather pattern in south Alabama and northwest Florida.
TROPICAL STORM EDOUARD RACING NORTHEAST IN ATLANTIC… Tropical Depression Five strengthened just a bit last evening and was declared Tropical Storm Edouard last night. Maximum winds are at 40 mph as Edouard continues to rapidly move out to sea in the Atlantic Ocean. Edouard has passed Bermuda and is moving northeast at 35 (yes, moving at 35) mph to the northeast. The system is expected to become post-tropical later today.
EARLIEST KNOWN 5TH STORM IN ATLANTIC BASIN HISTORY… The National Hurricane Center noted in their discussion last evening that Edouard is the earliest known 5th named storm on record for the Atlantic basin in the satellite era (1966-present), breaking the record formerly held by Emily on July 12, 2005.
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See all the details in your Monday #rzw forecast video… Have a great day!