HOTTEST DAYS OF THE YEAR TODAY AND FRIDAY; HEAT INDEX UP TO 113° POSSIBLE… A Heat Advisory is in effect today and tomorrow as heat index values soar to the 110-115° range this afternoon. The air temperature (what you read on the thermometer) will be in the 95-97° range this afternoon, but when the oppressive humidity is factored in, you get an excessively high heat index. In addition to high heat indices, we’ll be watching the radar this afternoon as showers and thunderstorms develop across the region. Some of the storms may produce loud thunder and dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning. Our hot, seasonal summer pattern is set to continue into the upcoming weekend. A few more Thursday morning forecast details are below.

HEAT ADVISORY FOR ENTIRE LOCAL AREA TODAY AND FRIDAY… The National Weather Service maintains a Heat Advisory for all locations in south Alabama and northwest Florida for today and tomorrow. A Heat Advisory means that heat index values will be in excess of 108 degrees. In this case, today, we’re expecting heat index values up to 113 today and up to 114 tomorrow. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or later in the evening hours. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke, which can develop very easily in extreme heat conditions like what we are having today and tomorrow.

SCATTERED STORMS LIKELY OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS… More showers and thunderstorms will continue to be possible over the next several days, mainly in the afternoon and evening hours. Widespread severe weather is not expected at any point over the next few days, but some of the pop-up thunderstorms could be “loud and proud” at times. Gusty winds may be possible in some of the stronger storms.

TROPICS REMAIN QUIET… The long range models continue to show quiet conditions in the Atlantic Basin into early August. No new tropical storms are expected to form over the next 5 days in the Gulf of Mexico or Caribbean Sea. We note this time last year (July 29, 2020) was the day before the “I-named” storm (Isaias) was named. Our next name on the tropical storm naming list is “Fred,” thus it has been a bit quieter compared to the hyperactive 2020 season this year so far. We have a long way to go until the end of hurricane season on November 30. Let’s hope the quiet pattern continues!

APP… Many updates will be posted throughout the day in the RedZone Weather app. redzoneweather.com/app is the link for the free download. Be sure to visit the Alerts tab (bottom right corner) and tap the large, yellow “Alert Settings” button to customize the alerts you’d like to receive from me. If you like a lot of info, be sure to toggle ON Low-Level Alerts.

See all the details in your Thursday morning #rzw forecast video. Have a great day!

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