Alabama Skies: Tropical storms Emily and Franklin form, other systems lining up in the tropics

Published 8:51 pm Sunday, August 20, 2023

Things certainly changed in the tropics quickly as two tropical storms formed, and other systems upgraded in chances of development.

Tropical Storm Emily has maximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour while Franklin has winds of 45 miles per hour. Tropical Depression Six is at 35 miles per hour.

The closest disturbance is in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. With a 70 percent chance of development within the next two days, some lucky folks may get some much-needed rainfall. Unfortunately, it’s looking like the rain is heading to Texas instead of the northern Gulf.

For now, we’re going to remain mostly dry with only a slight chance of an isolated shower or storm along the coast. Monday is going to be hot, but it’s only going to be even hotter and even more humid throughout the week.

Heat advisories and warnings will cover various regions of the state all week as we have heat index values reaching well into the 100s.

North Alabama

Sunny with a high of 95 and heat index of 104. Mostly clear Monday night with a low of 74.

Central Alabama

Sunny with a high of 97 and heat index of 105. Mostly clear with a low of 74.

South Alabama

Sunny with a high of 100 and heat index of 105. Clear Monday night with a low of 75.

Gulf Coast

Sunny with a high of 95 and heat index of 105. There’s a slight chance of a shower or thunderstorm in the afternoon. Becoming mostly clear overnight with a low of 74.