SEVERE STORMS POSSIBLE WEDNESDAY; NICE WEEKEND IN PROGRESS… Severe storms, including the potential for tornadoes, will be possible on Wednesday across parts of the Deep South. While it remains far too early for specifics about where specific hazard risks may be highest, this will be the first significant, potentially widespread, risk of severe weather we have had this year. Confidence is increasing that tornadoes will be possible. In addition, damaging winds, large hail, and flash flooding will also be concerns. Before we get to the event on Wednesday, we have a nice Saturday and Sunday on tap ahead of thunderstorms on Monday and Tuesday. Several Saturday morning forecast notes are below.
The attached graphic is courtesy of St. Louis University and their CIPS Analog program.
DENSE FOG THIS MORNING… Fog is dense in several spots across our region this morning. A Dense Fog Advisory continues for all local counties until 9AM. If you’re driving this morning, please be aware of the dense fog happening in many spots locally. Fog should cease to be an issue by 10AM. We will have more fog in the overnight hours into Sunday morning.
MOSTLY SUNNY TODAY AND ON SUNDAY… Warm and mostly sunny conditions are expected on this Saturday across the region. High temperatures will surge into the low- to mid-80s inland with highs closer to the upper-70s closer to the coast. Cloud coverage will increase on Sunday ahead of a chance of a few showers as early as Sunday evening.
RAIN AND STORMS LIKELY MONDAY… Rain chances will increase Monday morning as a frontal boundary approaches our area from the northwest. Right now, it looks like better combination of atmospheric ingredients to support strong storms on Monday is likely to happen to our north and west. Rumbles of thunder are likely at times on Monday across the local area as a line of showers and storms moves through, but most indications point to these storms being below severe limits in our area. Breezy conditions are expected throughout the day on Monday with winds out of the south at 5-15 mph with gusts as high as 25 mph.
RAIN AND STORMS LIKELY TUESDAY… Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue to be possible Monday night and especially during the afternoon and evening hours of Tuesday. For now, severe storms do not seem likely on Tuesday. We will need to keep the rain gear handy through Tuesday and into Wednesday. High temperatures on Tuesday will be in the upper-70s.
STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS WEDNESDAY… Parameters support a potentially significant round of severe weather for parts of the Deep South on Wednesday (March 17), including the potential for tornadoes and damaging winds across south Alabama and northwest Florida. Confidence is increasing that several “severe weather ingredients” (instability, helicity, shear) will be in place at the same time on Wednesday, potentially across our local area. Unfortunately, it is impossible to be able to get specific at this time on what zones have the highest risk of tornadoes and other hazards. The important headlines at this point are to be AWARE of the potential for severe weather on Wednesday and please check back for updates in the days ahead as we get closer to this severe weather potential. We will be able to get far more specific starting on Monday.
INCREASINGLY ACTIVE PATTERN… Our weather pattern is about to become a lot more active than the quiet pattern we have been in over the last few weeks. Now is the time to make a severe weather plan if you have not already. Know where you would go and what you would do if a tornado warning is required for your specific location in the weeks ahead. We advise folks to get to the lowest floor of a site-built structure, away from windows and doors, putting as many walls as you possibly can between you and the outside world during a tornado warning. Severe weather helmets are essential during tornado warnings as most tornado-related injuries happen due to trauma to the skull region. Makeshift helmets (like cooking pots!) are helpful if you don’t have some type of helmet close by. Severe weather season peaks in March, April, and early May locally, but we can have tornado warnings ANY month of the year.
APP ALERTS… 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.
I will have more updates about the upcoming severe weather risks posted in the RedZone Weather app later today. My next detailed update will be posted by 7:15AM on Sunday morning unless warranted sooner. Have a great Saturday!
