SEVERE STORMS POSSIBLE LATER TODAY; LEVEL 2 (OUT OF 5) RISK… Thunderstorms are expected to move into our region later today ahead of the arrival of much cooler air tonight. There is a chance of a few strong to severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts, hail, and perhaps even a brief tornado or two. The Storm Prediction Center maintains a Level 2 (out of 5) severe weather risk for much of southwest Alabama and part of northwest Florida. In addition, areas near the northwest Florida coast are involved in a lower-end, Level 1 (out of 5) risk zone. This means that across the entire region, the potential exists for a few stronger or severe storms. Please have a way to get urgent warnings today, just in case your specific location goes under a tornado warning. All of the storms this evening are in response to a cold front approaching our area from the north. This front will usher in much cooler air tonight, paving the way for a gorgeous end to the week and a *fantastic* weekend. I’ve got all of your Wednesday #rzw forecast details below.

SEVERE WEATHER TIMING – TODAY… 3PM to 11PM is the eight hour window when strong to severe thunderstorms will be most likely across south Alabama and northwest Florida today. Once the main batch of thunderstorms moves through your specific location, we will be able to give your community an “all clear.” I expect most communities to be north of the line of storms, aka in cooler, more stable air long before 11PM. The reason the timeframe is extended by two hours compared to our forecast discussion last evening is because there is some model evidence that shows storms not clearing out of the immediate coast until later in the evening.

LEVEL 2 (OUT OF 5) RISK FOR MUCH OF OUR AREA… Many locations are included in the Level 2 (out of 5) slight severe weather risk today, meaning a few severe storms (perhaps including a tornado or two) will be possible. If you are in any of the following local communities OR surrounding areas, you’re involved in the Level 2 risk zone: Mobile, Prichard, Wilmer, Citronelle, Mt. Vernon, Saraland, Coden, Bayou La Batre, Daphne, Fairhope, Spanish Fort, Bay Minette, Foley, Elberta, Magnolia Springs, Robertsdale, Tensaw, Stockton, Perdido, Gateswood, Seminole, Pensacola, Century, Molino, Walnut Hill, Bratt, Warrington, Pace, Milton, Chumuckla, Berrydale, Jay, Holt, Harold, Baker, Crestview, Laurel Hill, Brewton, East Brewton, Atmore, Flomaton, Poarch, Huxford, Andalusia, Carolina, Red Level, Straughn, Opp, Florala, Evergreen, Castleberry, Nymph, Johnsonville, Repton, Range, Lenox, Owassa, Burnt Corn, Monroeville, Tunnel Springs, Peterman, Beatrice, Uriah, Frisco City, Excel, Perdue Hill, Mexia, Grove Hill, Thomasville, Jackson, Coffeeville, Whatley, Campbell, Chatom, Millry, McIntosh, and Wagerville. We also note that several cities to our north and east are involved in the Level 2 (out of 5) risk today: Birmingham, Montgomery, Auburn, Alexander City, Troy, Ozark, Eufaula, Selma, Demopolis, Livingston, Marion, Talladega, Prattville, Wetumpka, Anniston, Atlanta (GA), Columbus (GA), and Macon (GA).

LOW-END, LEVEL 1 (OUT OF 5) SEVERE WEATHER RISK TOWARD THE COAST… The Storm Prediction Center maintains a low-end severe weather risk today for areas closer to the immediate beaches. Basically what this means is we could have a few stronger storms near the beaches, but severe weather will be widely spaced and is not at all certain to happen. Most spots will just have rain locally today in these areas: Dauphin Island, Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Niceville, Mary Esther, Eglin AFB, Destin, and Fort Walton Beach.

SUNNY & COOLER THURSDAY INTO FRIDAY… Clouds will clear out tonight, giving way to full sunshine by late morning on Thursday. The cold front moving through this evening is a bit stronger than the last few paltry fronts that have moved through over the last few weeks, meaning we actually will have some cooler temperatures on Thursday into Friday. Highs each day will be in the 60s with overnight lows on Friday morning as cool as the 30s across inland areas of south Alabama.

BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND AHEAD… The upcoming weekend looks absolutely splendid in the world of weather across our region. High temperatures will be in the 70s on both Saturday and Sunday. Overnight lows will be in the mid-40s on Saturday and Sunday mornings. We may have a few passing clouds, particularly late in the day on Saturday. Rain chances are expected to remain near zero this weekend.

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 radar updates posted throughout the day in the RedZone Weather app. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

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