WBRC Weather

Forecast Lows For Tonight

We're expecting near record lows across our area tonight. Here are tonights records:

• Birmingham 38, 1960
• Tuscaloosa 37, 1960
• Anniston 34, 1960

Fox6 Meteorologist Wes Wyatt
Twitter @weswyattweather
Facebook.com/weswyattfox6
wwyatt@wbrc.com

Don't Forget The Sunscreen-Very High UV Index Today

(Source: EPA SunWise, NWS)

I always say that this time of year can be quite deceiving when it comes to sun protection. April and May can bring cooler days but the suns rays are always growing stronger as the sun rises higher in the sky. The suns rays strike our part of the globe more directly as we work towards the summer solstice. 

I was noticing that the UV Index for today will be at a level 8. This is a very high level on a UV Index that ranges from 1 to 11 plus. If you plan on spending lots of time outdoors this weekend, be sure to pack on lots of sunscreen. At this level unprotected skin could burn quickly. 

The following guidlines are from EPA SunWise: 

UV Index 8-10: Protection against sun damage is needed. If you need to be outside during midday hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., take steps to reduce sun exposure. A shirt, hat and sunscreen are a must, and be sure you seek shade. Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and can double UV exposure.

Fox6 Meteorologist Wes Wyatt
Twitter @weswyattweather
Facebook.com/weswyattfox6
wwyatt@wbrc.com

Record Threatening Warmth Possible Today

We are expecting another unseasonably warm day in Alabama. There is a chance we could set some new record highs across our area. I wanted to share the current records for select climate summary sites in our state. 

The average high for this time of the year is 53 degrees and the average low is 34. We’re forecasting highs in the mid 70s. There is a slight chance a few peaks of sun could break through the clouds in southern areas. The would allow temps to top the 75-degree mark. To our south, highs are expected to near 80 degrees in the Montgomery area. To our north temperatures should reach the low 70s in the Huntsville area. Enjoy the warmer air because the big chill will be returning tomorrow night. 

Fox 6 Meteorologist Wes Wyatt
wwyatt@wbrc.com
Twitter @weswyattweather
Facebook.com/weswyattfox6

Warmest Temperatures On Record

This is an interesting graphic from NOAA.  You probably thought 2012 was a hot year.  In fact, we practically had no Winter last year.  We were not alone many cities across the US reported the warmest temperatures on record.

Weather Almanac: A Look Back At 2012

Fox 6 Meteorologist Wes Wyatt
wwyatt@wbrc.com
Twitter @weswyattweather
Facebook.com/weswyattfox6

A Very Dry November In Alabama-Climate Prediction Center 8 To 14 Day Outlook

The Nations Climate Prediction Center has released an updated long range forecast outlook. The 8 to 14 Day Outlook shows near average temperatures for much of the region. Most of the state is expected to receive near average precipitation totals.

This has been a very dry November, with Birmingham’s rainfall total now at 1.12” (deficit for November is -2.83”). The monthly rainfall total in Tuscaloosa is only 0.84” and for Anniston it’s only 0.99.” Hopefully, we will receive some rain tonight.

Fox 6 Meteorologist Wes Wyatt

wwyatt@wbrc.com

Twitter @weswyattweather

Facebook.com/weswyattfox6

The Summer Solstice Takes Place Tomorrow - WX 101

In meteorology we like to refer to the seasons in three month increments based on temperature and weather patterns. You may recall on Memorial Day we were talking about the unofficial start of the summer season. This week it becomes official as the summer solstice arrives. Astronomical calculations show summer officially beginning on Wednesday at 6:08 PM CDT. This is when the suns rays strike the northern hemisphere most directly. Because of the orientation of solar rays its always important to be sunwise during this time of year.

During the solstice I always get the question, is this actually the longest day of the year? If you do a search on the web you may find one or two posts about the longest day of the year being on the day of the summer solstice. That is true for areas along the Tropic of Cancer latitude. However, depending on where you live, that may not be true.

Sun angle still plays a role for areas north and south of the Tropic of Cancer. For example, a lower sun angle corresponds with cooler weather in Alaska during this time of year.  According to my calculations our longest day(s), based on sunrise-sunset times, occurs on the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. On these dates sunrise happens at 5:38 AM and sunset happens at 8:01 PM. These dates still fall very close to the solstice date but the times for the longest date (sunrise/sunset) in Alabama vary slightly.

I hope this helps you out with one of J-Ps weather 101 questions later this week.

Fox6 Meteorologist Wes Wyatt

Twitter @weswyattweather / Follow Me on Facebook

Weather Watcher Reports: A Cool Start

Here are the morning low temperature reports from our team of weather watchers.

Fox6 Meteorologist Wes Wyatt

Twitter (@weswyattweather) Facebook (facebook.com/weswyattfox6)

Climate Report - A Great Read from State Climatologist

http://nsstc.uah.edu/alclimatereport

Birmingham Records

Here is a look at the forecast temperatures and the current records using the Birmingham Data.

Wes Wyatt-Fox 6 Meteorologist

Follow me on Twitter @ weswyattweather