Monday Afternoon Forecast Discussion Update

It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is next week! It seems like we were just talking about what a dry August it was as we entered fall. With that said, the second full week of November 2007 is underway and much like August and even June of 2007, a major drought still plagues our region. The big questions are what kind of drought relief will we see in the near future? And is there any rain on the horizon? Right now to answer those questions, yes we will have a chance for rain in the near future; however, this will not be a rain event that can remedy our drought situation.

Today we’ve had very comfortable daytime temperatures and as high pressure builds to our east, this will set the stage for warmer days. It is going to be chilly tonight, but we will easily warm into the 70s tomorrow thanks to a southerly flow. A small scale disturbance passing by late tomorrow will bring more clouds and the chance for a passing shower or thunderstorm. Unfortunately, the greatest chance for rain will be in areas north of Tuscaloosa late tomorrow. A cold front will enter the picture to our northwest and we will see some rain and thunderstorms develop just ahead of this boundary by Wednesday.

As the southerly flow continues on Wednesday there is a chance some of us will reach the 80-degree mark in the afternoon hours. As you know that is a bit too warm for this time of the year. Therefore, we will have enough instability in place to fuel thunderstorms and some of those could be strong. The greatest threat for rain and thunderstorms will again be in areas north of Tuscaloosa. As the cold front moves through the warmer air will quickly depart. Lows will dip into the 50s Wednesday night and we will struggle to reach the low to mid 60s on Thursday for highs.

Sunny weather will be the story for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The good news is that I don’t see us going through another extended dry period, much like the past couple of weeks. The data is hinting that another storm system will bring an opportunity for rain by Monday of next week. I will have more details for you tonight at five, six, and ten…please join us!

Chief Meteorologist Wes Wyatt
WVUA-TV Weather