RECORD-SETTING HEAT TODAY; EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT… The very hot temperatures we are having in the afternoon and evening hours today and on Saturday are not our normal summertime heat. The National Weather Service maintains an uncommon Excessive Heat Warning and Heat Advisory for all of our local area. Heat index values are expected to be in the 110-115° range in many spots this afternoon. Rain chances will be less (not zero) today, with only a few showers and thunderstorms expected to bubble up this afternoon into this evening. More hot days are ahead this weekend ahead of slightly cooler temperatures arriving by the middle part of the upcoming week. More Friday morning forecast details are below.

FEW SHOWERS POSSIBLE NEAR COAST TODAY… A few showers and thunderstorms may develop this afternoon into this evening across the area. The greatest chance of a few showers and storms will happen mainly in areas along and south of Interstate 10, near the Alabama and northwest Florida beaches. Any storms that develop will be capable of producing gusty winds and prolific lightning in addition to heavy downpours of rain.

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING FOR COASTAL COUNTIES… Heat index values could easily top 110 degrees today, especially in coastal counties and across west Alabama. An Excessive Heat Warning continues for all parts of Baldwin, Mobile, Washington, Escambia (FL), Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties.

HEAT ADVISORY FOR INLAND COUNTIES… A Heat Advisory continues for inland areas of south Alabama. The differentiation between an Excessive Heat Warning and a Heat Advisory does not mean too much, other than widespread slightly higher heat index values may happen in the Excessive Heat Warning area. Dangerous heat values are still expected in the Heat Advisory counties that currently includes Clarke, Choctaw, Marengo, Wilcox, Monroe, Escambia (AL), Conecuh, Covington, and Butler. Heat index values of 108-112° will be possible.

ATLANTIC BASIN REMAINS QUIET… The tropics (Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and Atlantic Ocean) are quiet and are expected to remain quiet over the next few days. Long range models continue to highlight no areas of concern as we kick off the month of August. Tropical activity will probably ramp up somewhat as we approach the middle of August.

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 Friday morning #rzw forecast video. Have a great weekend!

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