BIRMINGHAM — A classic stretch of July heat is settling across Alabama through the weekend, with heat index values already approaching 110 degrees in western areas, as forecasters warn that Monday and Tuesday are shaping up to be the hottest days the state has seen in a while, with highs potentially reaching the mid-90s and heat index readings topping 105 degrees.
Storms Remain Isolated Through the Weekend
Highs across Alabama will run in the 90s today through Sunday, with heat index values climbing above 100 degrees statewide. Skies will stay partly to mostly sunny, with only isolated afternoon and evening storms generally between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. Today’s storm coverage will be very limited, mainly confined to north and east Alabama.
Current heat index mapping shows readings already nearing 110 degrees across western portions of the state, with widespread values in the 100 to 109 degree range stretching across much of central and northern Alabama, including areas near Birmingham and Tuscaloosa.
Hottest Days of the Year Approaching Monday and Tuesday
Forecasters are increasingly confident that Monday and Tuesday will bring the most intense heat Alabama has experienced in some time. Highs could reach the mid-90s both days, with heat index values topping 105 degrees. Meteorologists are actively monitoring the potential for First Alert Weather Days if confidence in this extreme heat outlook continues to increase.
Gulf Disturbance Could Boost Southern Alabama Rain
A disturbance over the Gulf remains on the radar, with a chance for a tropical low to develop over the northeastern Gulf during the next few days. At this point, the greatest threat for heavier rain appears focused across the eastern Florida Panhandle, though if the system drifts farther west, it could increase rain chances across southern Alabama late this weekend. From Pensacola west to Gulf Shores, more typical summer beach weather with scattered afternoon and evening storms is expected through tomorrow.
Relief Possible by Midweek
Looking ahead, a cold front is expected to bring drier air by the middle of next week, though the timing depends heavily on the track of the Gulf disturbance. Forecasters plan to keep at least a chance for scattered showers and storms in the forecast until they’re confident the system stays farther east, with a break in humidity and some relief from the extreme heat expected by the middle to latter part of next week…