Skies are sunny across much of Central Alabama at this hour, and temperatures are already on their way up to the upper 80s to near 90. No rain on the radar for the state, but plenty of action is happening back to our west. Much of Eastern Texas and up to Central Oklahoma is being affected by more showers and strong thunderstorms. Fortunately at this point, there are no warnings in effect for these storms.
However, that is not the case for extreme Northeastern Kansas and Northwestern Missouri. Several severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect for multiple cells in a line that is slowly pushing to the northeast at 10 MPH. Ping pong ball size hail and winds in excess of 60 MPH are the main threats associated with these cells. Flash flood warnings may be needed with these due to the torrential rainfalls and slow movement.
Another line of strong thunderstorms is pushing across Central Indiana, back to the southwest through the southern tip of Illinois, and the line ends in South/Central Missouri. Dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning and gusty winds are associated with this line. Qualifying for the Freedom 100 Indy Lights Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was stopped halfway through due to the approaching line of storms. This line is mainly moving to the east, with the southern sections of the line moving slightly to the southeast.
QUICK LOOK AT TEMPERATURES: Temperatures at this time are already well up in the upper 70s to low 80s. The warm spots in the state are Huntsville and Montgomery both at 83. Here is a list of temperature readings from across the state at this time:
Birmingham 82
Tuscaloosa 80
Muscle Shoals 80
Huntsville 83
Anniston 81
Alexander City 78
Montgomery 83
Dothan 82
Mobile 79
REST OF TODAY: Skies will remain mostly sunny for the remainder of the afternoon hours, with just a very small risk of showers and storms moving through the extreme northern counties of the state. Afternoon highs will be at or near 90.
AIR QUALITY ALERT FOR BIRMINGHAM AREA: Today’s Air Quality Index will be in the CODE YELLOW (moderate) for ozone and particulate matter. Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
CLIMATOLOGY FOR BIRMINGHAM: The normal high temperature for May 26th in Birmingham is 83, while the normal low is 61. The record high of 97 was reached in 1962. The record low of 41 was set back in 1979.
FRIDAY: Sunny but hazy skies are to be expected tomorrow. An afternoon/evening shower is possible with the rising moisture levels, but any that develop will be widely scattered, and most places will stay dry. Afternoon highs will once again will be at or near 90.
HEADED TO THE BEACH: Mostly sunny days, fair nights, and only isolated showers from Panama City Beach over to Gulf Shores through the holiday weekend. Highs in the low 80s on the immediate coast, with upper 80s inland. The sea water temperature at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab early this morning is 79 degrees. See a very detailed beach forecast here.
THE TROPICS: A disturbance east of the Bahamas has a chance of becoming a hybrid sub-tropical storm over the Memorial Day weekend with potential for some impact on the coast of the Carolinas. If by chance this gets a name, it will be called “Bonnie”. No direct impact one way or another on Alabama or the Gulf Coast.
SEC BASEBALL TOURNAMENT: The weather continues to look good for the event going on through Sunday at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. Mostly sunny, hot, hazy days and fair nights with only isolated afternoon/evening showers. Highs will remain in the 87 to 90 degree range. Get information about the big event here.
WEATHERBRAINS: Don’t forget you can listen to our weekly 90 minute netcast anytime on the web, or on iTunes. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including our meteorologists at ABC 33/40. You can find it here.
from The Alabama Weather Blog http://ift.tt/20GSgQO
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