Alabama Skies: Big weather pattern changes begin with severe threat Sunday
Published 9:16 pm Saturday, August 26, 2023
What has seemed like endless days of extreme heat and dry conditions for many of us is finally changing. Unfortunately, that pattern change comes with the risk for severe weather for many of us Sunday and Monday along with a tropical threat for the Gulf states midweek.
The great news is the northern two-thirds of the state aren’t expected to have highs above the 80s after Sunday for most of the week!
Sunday’s severe risk covers just about the entire state except for the southwestern corner. It’s a Level 1 risk for hail and damaging wind. Monday’s risk covers most of the state except for the northern region.
We have Tropical Depression 10 meandering out in the water barely moving. It’s expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Idalia Sunday and into a hurricane by Tuesday. Most models agree the storm is heading towards Florida, but we could still have some impact depending on the exact track and strength at landfall. We’ll know more Sunday night and Monday.
North Alabama
Sunny with a high near 90 and heat index of 98. Storms and showers becoming likely in the afternoon and evening. A storm or two could be strong. Becoming mostly cloudy overnight with a low of 74.
Central Alabama
Increasing clouds with storms and showers likely in the late afternoon and evening. A storm or two could be severe. High of 94 and heat index of 105. Becoming mostly cloudy Sunday night with a low of 70.
South Alabama
Fog early, then sunny with a high of 100 and heat index of 107. Showers and storms possible in the late afternoon and into the evening. A storm or two could be severe, especially in the eastern region of south Alabama. A chance of a shower or two Sunday night with a low of 74.
Gulf Coast
Sunny with a high of 99 and heat index of 108. A few showers and storms are possible in the afternoon and evening. Becoming partly cloudy overnight with a low of 77.