HIGH RAIN CHANCES THIS WEEKEND; VERY HOT TEMPS TODAY… Scattered thunderstorms will be possible this afternoon and becoming increasingly likely across the region as we get into the weekend. The big weather story on this Friday will be the ongoing excessive heat with heat index values as high as 114-115° this afternoon. Hot, sultry conditions will continue today ahead of heat relief coming (more seasonal values anyway) tomorrow into Sunday.
LEVEL 2 (OUT OF 5) SEVERE WEATHER RISK FOR NORTH & CENTRAL ALABAMA TODAY… The Storm Prediction Center has included much of central and north Alabama in their Level 2 (out of 5) severe weather risk zone today. Damaging wind gusts will be possible as a cluster of thunderstorms moves southeast throughout the day. This Level 2 (out of 5) severe weather risk is in place for Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, Prattville, Auburn, Tuskegee, Alexander City, Talladega, Lake Martin, Cullman, Smith Lake, Hamilton, Decatur, Huntsville, Florence, Muscle Shoals, Gadsden, Anniston, and surrounding areas.
A FEW STRONG STORMS POSSIBLE SATURDAY LOCALLY… Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms will be possible across the region on Saturday and again on Sunday. Some of the storms on Saturday may be strong at times. Gusty winds and hail will be possible in the strongest of the storms in addition to heavy rain, loud thunder, and cloud-to-ground lightning. Have a way to check the radar throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday.
TROPICAL WAVE IN ATLANTIC; GULF & CARIBBEAN QUIET… Tropical storm formation is not expected this weekend or early next week in the Gulf of Mexico or in the Caribbean Sea. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a tropical wave moving to the west across the central Atlantic Ocean. This tropical wave has a 20-30% chance of becoming a tropical storm in the next few days while approaching the Leeward Islands. Tropical Storm Don remains well away from land in the northern Atlantic Ocean and will move out to sea over the next several days.
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 RedZone Weather forecast video. Have a great day!