Archive for June 15th, 2010

Warnings galore this afternoon with slow moving storms and wet microburst producers all over the state.  The image above was from a little while ago as storms developed across the metro and produced hail up to golf ball sized, 62 mph winds that were measured in the city of Hoover, and heavy rainfall that added up to over 4″ in one hour near the Bessemer area.

These storms continue to move and develop eastward this afternoon bringing some relief to the heat.  Storms are producing heavy rains and deadly lightning none the less.  Keep an eye to the sky this afternoon as your are out and about across the region.

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It seems we have completely skipped early summer and gone straight to “the Dog Days”. This will be the norm for the rest of the week with temperatures approaching the upper 90s in the southern portions of the state, although some relief is expected by the weekend. Heat Index values as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit will be likely across much of Alabama today and tomorrow.  If you’re planning on being outside for an extended period of time, be sure to drink plenty of water and/or sports drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade. Take plenty of breaks in the shade and avoid sunburn if at all possible. Avoid alcoholic beverages as these only dehydrate you at a faster rate.

Showers and thunderstorms have also re-entered the forecast. The National Weather Service in Birmingham is calling for scattered strong to severe storms for today. The main threat with these storms will be gusty winds due to the rapid cooling that occurs with the rainfall associated with them. Also, heavy rains under these storms will cause ponding on roadways. Use caution if driving in prone areas. The following is the current Hazardous Weather Outlook from BMX.

STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON ACROSS
ALL OF CENTRAL ALABAMA.  A FEW STORMS WILL HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO
PRODUCE GUSTY WINDS TO 50 MPH OR GREATER AS WELL AS BRIEF HEAVY
STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON ACROSS
ALL OF CENTRAL ALABAMA.  A FEW STORMS WILL HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO
PRODUCE GUSTY WINDS TO 50 MPH OR GREATER AS WELL AS BRIEF HEAVY
RAINFALL.

This should light up nicely with summertime “pop-up” storms over the course of today.

Stay tuned for a possible tropical update later this evening.
~Brandon