Current Active Tropical Systems
Sunny weather has returned today, with temperatures reaching 89 degrees in Tuscaloosa. With lower humidity around, temperatures will feel very nice this evening. Lows tonight will bottom off near 64 degrees, with clear skies. Tomorrow, highs will return into the lower 90s; you can expect lot of sun tomorrow, but a mix of sun and clouds will be around on Tuesday. A return of gulf moisture will take place on Tuesday, ahead of an approaching cold front. The front will stall out over north Alabama, which will enhance our rainfall chances on Tuesday through Thursday. Don’t look for a washout, as there is only a 30% chance for any one spot getting in on rainfall through Friday. Highs will remain in the upper 80s. Once we get in to the Thursday and Friday time frame, the coast may be feeling the effects of Hurricane Ike.
The 8 p.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center has winds of 120 mph, with a westward movement of 14 mph. Ike is expected to gradually make a turn more northwest over the next day or so, as it interacts with Cuba. The storm will weaken tomorrow, as it movies inland over the mountainous region of Cuba. It will remain over Cuba until Tuesday afternoon. After then, Ike will move into the Gulf of Mexico and re-strengthen into a major hurricane. The forecast gets tricky once we get into Wednesday and Thursday. Since Ike is moving at a faster speed than expected, it is now likely that it will make it into the central Gulf of Mexico. As a trough moves into the mid-section of the country, it should turn Ike northward sometime on Thursday or Friday. This could put the Louisiana coastline in the threat zone. Anyone from central Texas to the big bend in Florida needs to keep a very close eye to the progression of hurricane Ike. Be sure to stay with us as we continue to monitor the very dangerous hurricane. If Ike comes our way, it would fall within the Friday and Saturday time frame. Be sure to join us tonight at 10 p.m. for the latest on Ike and your extended forecast. Have a great day!
Richard Scott
WVUA-TV’s Weekend Weather Anchor
