BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – It was another hot Fourth of July across Central Alabama, with many areas climbing into the mid and upper 90s. When you factor in the humidity, it felt well into the triple digits for many of us, which was expected with today as a First Alert Weather Day. A Heat Advisory remains in effect through 9 p.m.
As we head through the evening, conditions stay warm with a partly to mostly cloudy sky. Most people will stay dry, but we’ll keep a 20-30% chance for a few pop-up showers and thunderstorms around, especially before fireworks time around 8 p.m. The better chance for any storms will be across northwest Alabama.
If a storm develops, it could bring torrential downpours, frequent lightning, gusty winds, and even some small hail. While widespread severe weather isn’t expected, one or two stronger storms can’t be ruled out. If you’re heading out to enjoy fireworks tonight, just keep an eye on the radar and remember that when thunder roars, head indoors. Temperatures will slowly fall through the 80s after sunset, giving us a warm summer evening.
SUNDAY: We’ll wake up to a warm start Sunday with temperatures in the mid 70s and a partly cloudy sky. The good news: It won’t be quite as oppressively hot as what we’ve dealt with over the past several days! This is why I don’t expect another Heat Advisory or for the one we have to be extended for most of Central Alabama for tomorrow.
From here, our attention shifts from the heat to the storm chances. We want to give you the First Alert for scattered showers and thunderstorms on Sunday, as it will become much more widespread during the afternoon and evening. Rain chances climb to 60%, with the best opportunity for storms between noon and 8 p.m.
Unlike the easterly flow we’ve seen recently, storms will start moving from west to east as normal. A few could become strong, producing heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, gusty winds, and small hail. Nothing different from what we’ve been seeing this past week or so. While the severe threat remains low, we can’t completely rule out an isolated severe storm.
THIS WEEK: The summertime ridge continues to weaken as we head into this week, allowing our typical July weather pattern to settle back in. That means daily opportunities for scattered afternoon and evening storms, especially Monday and Tuesday when rain chances stay the highest…