BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – THE NEXT 24 HOURS: Another warm, muggy start to our Monday, with temperatures mainly in the low-to-mid 70s. We quickly warm up again this afternoon, with highs in the low-to-mid 90s and the hottest temperatures across West Alabama. Heat index values could top 100 degrees in a few communities this afternoon. We want to give you a First Alert as scattered showers and storms will develop during the afternoon and evening as a cold front approaches.
A few storms could become strong to severe. There is a marginal risk (level 1/5) for all of central and north Alabama. The main concern will come from damaging wind gusts upwards of 60 mph. The main line of storms looks like it will arrive this evening. So, stay weather alert.
THE NEXT BIG THING: We have to get through a couple more hot and unsettled days before some much-needed relief arrives. Tuesday will bring another round of scattered afternoon and evening showers and storms, with another marginal risk covering most of the area. Once again, damaging wind gusts will be the main concern.
The pattern finally starts to change around the middle of the week as a cold front moves through. That front will help shut down the risk of rain and finally break this stretch of September heat. Highs fall from the 90s into the mid-80s later this week, but the biggest difference will be noticeable in the mornings, with temperatures falling into the low-to-mid 60s by Friday. And fall officially arrives on Tuesday! The autumnal equinox occurs at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, officially marking the start of astronomical fall.
TROPICAL UPDATE: Tropical Storm Fay is several hundred miles southwest of the Azores with maximum sustained winds near 70 mph. Fay is close to hurricane strength but is forecast to begin weakening today. Outside of Fay, no additional tropical development is expected across the Atlantic, Caribbean or Gulf over the next seven days.
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