South Alabama residents can expect another round of oppressive heat this weekend, with forecasters calling for heat index values climbing toward 105 degrees on both Saturday and Sunday.
Isolated showers and thunderstorms that popped up across the Gulf Coast are expected to wind down quickly after sunset, leaving behind a warm, muggy night. Earlier in the day, temperatures peaked in the low to mid-90s, while high humidity pushed the heat index close to 105 degrees. A few neighborhoods caught brief downpours, gusty winds and frequent lightning, but most communities stayed dry through the hottest part of the day.
Weekend: Hot With a Few Afternoon Storms
The weekend forecast changes very little from the pattern residents have seen in recent days. Saturday and Sunday will bring a mix of sun and afternoon clouds, with scattered, mainly daytime thunderstorms developing during the heat of the day. Rain coverage is expected to stay fairly low, meaning many spots won’t see rain at all — though anyone with outdoor plans is encouraged to keep an eye on the sky. Highs will hover in the low to mid-90s, with heat index values once again soaring toward 105 degrees.
Next Week: August Heat Continues
Forecasters say early next week will look much the same, as a persistent summer ridge keeps temperatures above normal and rain chances on the low side. Afternoon highs are expected to stay in the mid-90s, with only isolated to scattered pop-up thunderstorms offering limited relief from the heat. Residents are urged to continue practicing heat safety by staying hydrated, taking frequent breaks and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Beach and Boating Conditions
Beach conditions remain favorable heading into the weekend, with a low to moderate rip current risk expected. Gulf water temperatures are running in the mid-80s, while light south to southwest winds of 5 to 10 knots should keep seas around 1 to 2 feet. Boating conditions are expected to stay generally calm, though forecasters caution that any afternoon thunderstorm can quickly produce dangerous lightning, gusty winds and rougher seas.
The Tropics: Quiet Pattern Continues
The Atlantic Basin remains unusually quiet for early August. No tropical cyclone development is expected over the next seven days, and there are currently no tropical threats to the Gulf Coast.
South Alabama News will continue to monitor the forecast and provide updates as conditions change heading into the weekend.
Update: Rip Currents and Tropics
The rip current risk along area beaches is expected to increase from low to moderate through the weekend, and beachgoers are urged to check the latest beach flags before entering the Gulf. Storms will remain the bigger concern for beachgoers Sunday and Monday, when any thunderstorm moving across the beaches could bring frequent lightning, heavy rain and gusty winds.
In the tropics, forecasters are now watching two disturbances. One system southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands carries roughly a 20 percent chance of development over the next seven days. A second tropical wave, expected to move off the west coast of Africa on Tuesday, has up to a 40 percent chance of developing into a tropical depression later next week. Neither system poses an immediate threat to the Gulf Coast, and it remains far too early to know whether either wave could eventually affect the Caribbean or the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Meanwhile, storm coverage is expected to increase Sunday and Monday as the Bermuda High strengthens to the east, pulling additional tropical moisture into the region. Precipitable water values are expected to climb above 2 inches, fueling scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms both days, with frequent lightning, gusty downburst winds and locally heavy rainfall the main threats. Highs will stay in the low to mid 90s with heat index values around 100 to 107 degrees through the middle of next week.