RAIN & STORMS POSSIBLE LATER TODAY; LOW-END CHANCE OF SEVERE WEATHER… Rain and a few thunderstorms could happen this afternoon and particularly this evening across parts of south Alabama and northwest Florida as a cold front approaches our area from the northwest. The Storm Prediction Center includes inland areas of our region in their Level 1 (out of 5) marginal risk zone, meaning an isolated strong storm can’t be ruled out this evening. The main concerns today will be damaging straight line winds and the potential for large hail. The tornado risk remains VERY low as we lack an abundance of atmospheric shear today. Let’s talk about what you can expect throughout the day followed by a look at the rest of the week…
RAIN CHANCES INCREASE LATER TODAY… Most of us will remain dry through at least 2PM. Our window in south Alabama and northwest Florida for the highest rain chances will happen from 4PM to 10PM as showers and storms move through. Keep in mind that there will inevitably be some locales that don’t get any rain. Most of us will have 0.1” to 0.25” of rain with isolated higher amounts.
LEVEL 1 RISK FOR WIND & HAIL… The Storm Prediction Center continues to outline basically all of our inland communities in their Level 1 (out of 5) marginal severe weather risk zone today, pointing to the potential for a few stronger storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts and potentially large hail. SPC notes that the overall risk of tornadoes remains very low.
LEVEL 1 RISK LOCATIONS… If you’re in the following communities in our local area, you’re involved in the Level 1 risk zone: Greenville, Georgiana, Chapman, Oaky Streak, Forest Home, Luverne, Brantley, Andalusia, Opp, Florala, Carolina, Red Level, Straughn, Evergreen, Lenox, Castleberry, Repton, Range, Lyeffion, Burnt Corn, Monroeville, Uriah, Beatrice, Megargal, Mineola, Thomasville, Grove Hill, Jackson, Coffeeville, Whatley, Gosport, Silas, Toxey, Butler, Pennington, Sweet Water, Chatom, Fruitdale, Wagerville, Leroy, Brewton, Atmore, Poarch, and Flomaton.
LEVEL 2 RISK TO OUR NORTH… We note that NWS Birmingham has opted to include several of their communities in the Level 2 slight risk valid for today, including Montgomery, Auburn, Alexander City, Clanton, Selma, Demopolis, Troy, and Eufaula. Again, very little in the way of a tornado risk in those places. It’s more of a damaging wind gust/hail risk.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: LEVEL 1 RISK… Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms are likely Monday evening, especially across central Alabama. Most areas will have some rain and thunder. I do not expect any widespread severe weather. The risk of a tornado warning happening is very low (probably in the 0-10% chance range). Keep an eye on the radar tomorrow and be sure to check for updates in the RedZone Weather app in the evening hours. I’ll keep you posted there.
BEAUTIFUL WEATHER FOR MIDDLE PART OF WEEK… Cooler, drier air will surge into our area from the northwest on Tuesday. Clouds will move out Tuesday morning and we should have a good bit of sunshine in place for the afternoon and evening hours. Full sunshine is expected both on Wednesday and on Thursday. High temperatures will drop back to around 70° with overnight lows on Wednesday and Thursday morning in the mid-40s.
MORE RAIN FOR THE UPCOMING WEEKEND… Our next chance of rain (after Monday evening) happens late Friday into Saturday when a warm, wet pattern sets up across our region. There could be a few storms involved. Too early to know details, but if you’re planning a trip to the beach next weekend, be aware that we could have rain around. I’ll bring you the latest this week in our forecast videos.
APP ALERTS… Once you have our free RZW app downloaded to your iOS or Android device, be sure to visit the Alerts tab (lower right corner) then tap the large, yellow Alert Settings button to customize the alerts you would like to get straight from me.
See the graphics and more in your Monday #rzw forecast video… Have a great day!
