Summer Pattern Sets Up

The Monday morning web video is on the server:

http://beta.abc3340.com/weather/video.hrb

Looks like it is time to write my annual piece here about summer weather forecasting in Alabama. Looks like a summer pattern is setting up a little early as the primary storm track has shifted well to the north.. so the words "scattered afternoon thunderstorms" will come into play from time to time. The words "warm and humid" will be around for a while, and of course will evolve into "hot and humid" from June through early September. I warned you to enjoy those cool nights and low dewpoints we enjoyed a week ago!

NEXT 48 HOURS: A short wave will pass north of Alabama, and the trailing front will bring the chance of a few passing showers or storms tonight and tomorrow. I don't think the rain will be very widespread, and there really isn't much chance of any organized severe weather. But, a few places might see up to one-half inch of rain. A few showers or storms could creep into west Alabama this afernoon.

REST OF THE WEEK: An upper ridge means warm and humid weather Wednesday through Friday with just a small chance of any one place getting an afternoon shower or storm. Temperatures will rise well into the 80s.

WEEKEND PEEK: Another wave will pass well to the north of Alabama, but the trailing cold front might trigger a few showers or storms Friday night and Saturday... much like the setup tonight and tomorrow. No wash out, probably no organized severe weather. The ridge rebuilds Sunday and into the first of next week.

LONG RANGE: Still no sign of stronger upper winds in here for the next 10 to 15 days... so the weather looks warmer and drier than normal during the mid-month period.

Headed out to see the kids at Minor Community School... be back in the studio later today for the afternoon update. Just a handful of school programs left... almost time for summer vacation!
Posted by Cindy  
on May 9, 2005, 7:03 am
Would like to see what you think for the weather in Gulf Shores this weekend................does it look good?

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Posted by  
on May 9, 2005, 9:29 am
Are we now out of our 1st main tornado season?

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Posted by   www
on May 9, 2005, 10:04 am
Why is the Weather Channel saying some storms may be severe tonight???

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Posted by  
on May 9, 2005, 11:05 am
Hey Chris I think the weather channel has lost there minds.

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Posted by  
on May 9, 2005, 11:18 am
When watching the weather Channel I am always reminded by this quote that one of the forcasters slipped up and (said this was during some bad weather for Miss. and AL. is why it stings so bad):

"... and MOST importantly here in Atlanta the weather will be fine.. "




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Posted by Rusty Pitts  
on May 9, 2005, 12:36 pm
Chris T , To answer your question , first you have to look at what is considered severe , A severe thunderstorm is when a storm has any of these severe weather criteria :
hail 3/4 of an inch or greater ,
winds greater than 58 mph,
recent history of tree, telephone pole, or other structural damage . Now , this soesnt mean that they would be Tornadic by any means. But there is the posibility of Storms , here in central alabama , that would , or could meet that criteria. Plus , the weather channel is giving a general outlook for a large area , where as James and the crew are predicting for this area, now we know that James also predicts for most other areas of the country as well. I hope this answers your question.

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Posted by  
on May 9, 2005, 12:45 pm
Weather Channel is great for a "message in a minute" and broad overview (i.e. I'm about to go out and walk my dog - Do I put on shorts or pants), but you've gotta rely on the local boys to take care of you and give you a forecast for your immediate area. ESPECIALLY during a severe situation!!!

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Posted by   www
on May 9, 2005, 1:15 pm
Trust me I do realize how general the Weather Channel is. I meant it more as a funny piece or info. But thanks for ALL the responses!! :)

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Posted by  
on May 9, 2005, 1:55 pm
Hey Chris no problem.

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