Another day of nearly triple-digit heat; rain possible tonight

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Happy Wednesday! Today is another First weather warning day for dangerous heat in our area.

First weather warning day continues today: Heat remains a big issue for us today. This morning it will be partly cloudy with temperatures between 15 and 24 degrees Celsius. There should be no rain in the morning hours. Temperatures are expected to rise quickly, reaching highs of over 35 degrees Celsius, and even around 38 degrees Celsius in some places. Humidity could also increase in western Alabama tomorrow, so the heat index could rise to 38 to 40 degrees Celsius.

We want to give everyone a First warning for the possibility of scattered showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. Not everyone will see rain. The chance of rain remains at 40%. It looks like the greatest chance for showers and thunderstorms is in western Alabama. I can’t rule out the possibility of a strong or severe storm tomorrow. The biggest dangers are strong winds up to 40 to 60 mph, frequent lightning, and heavy rain. Just remember: If there’s thunder, get indoors!

Slightly cooler Thursday: It may be a little warmer on Thursday. Temperatures on Thursday morning are expected to be between 21 and 25 degrees, with mostly clear to partly cloudy skies.

We’re maintaining a 20 to 30% chance of isolated showers or thunderstorms, especially tomorrow morning. The greatest chance of rain Thursday afternoon will be south of Interstate 20. Highs are expected to be in the 35 to 40 degrees. Thursday will remain hot, but not as hot as today.

The next big thing: The big headline this coming weekend is the heat and humidity. Humidity will likely increase over the weekend as southerly winds develop across the state. Highs Friday through early next week are expected to climb to 35 to 40 degrees. Overnight lows will also be warmer, with most of us in the low to high 70s. With humidity increasing, the heat index could climb to triple digits over the weekend. I wouldn’t be surprised if the National Weather Service issues heat warnings for heat indices above 40°C. Humidity makes it harder for you to cool down, so heat-related illnesses can set in more quickly. Just make sure to limit your time outside and stay hydrated if you have to work outside.

The good news is that we’re likely to see scattered showers and thunderstorms over the weekend to cool us down. Rain chances are at 30 to 40% through Sunday. Any storm that develops this weekend could be strong, bringing gusty winds, frequent lightning, and heavy rain.

Tropical Update: The National Hurricane Center is observing a tropical wave in the southeastern Caribbean. The environment is not currently conducive to tropical wave development, but it has a chance to develop once it moves into the western Caribbean and approaches the Yucatan Peninsula. The chance of development remains low at 20% for the next five to seven days. Another disturbance in the far eastern Atlantic has about a 30% chance of developing in the next seven days. Long-range models indicate that we may need to watch the central Atlantic and more tropical waves for development in July.

Hurricane season peaks in September and officially ends on November 30th.

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