WBRC Weather

11:30 AM Surface Analysis-NWS Issues Excessive Heat Warning

As of 11:30 AM, temperatures were already nearing 100 across the area. I included a streamline analysis chart that shows the core of the high pressure ridge now centered over Georgia. These lines represent the flow pattern at 10,000 to 15,000 ft. This should keep us dry throughout the rest of today and tonight. The models conntinue to suggest some weakening by Monday and Tuesday.  

Temperatures are soaring towards record levels  and the National Weather Service has now issued an Excessive Heat Warning in effect through 9PM tomorrow night. Highs will be near 105, with heat index values around 110 today and tomorrow.  

Fox 6 Meteorologist Wes Wyatt

Follow Me on Facebook:  Facebook.com/weswyattfox6

Twitter @ weswyattweather

Wednesday PM Discussion: More On Heat Wave 2012

(3PM Dew Points Across Alabama) 

It feels more like the dessert southwest rather than the humid-southeast this afternoon. A very dry air mass has settled in from the north and dew points are still in the upper 40s across far northwest communities. This will bring some heat relief tonight, with crisp-less humid conditions in place.

Over the past seven days some parts of our area have reached the 100 degree mark. On an area-wide basis, we’re about to deal with some of the hottest weather we’ve seen in years. Highs area-wide will be ranging between 100 and 105 for the next 6 days!

Use extreme caution during this heat wave. Check on the elderly, family members, or friends to make sure everybody has a working AC; also, make sure to pets have a cool spot. Avoid strenuous outdoor activities, wear loose-light colored clothing, and stay very well hydrated. I would avoid the peak heating time periods each day. We’re facing at-least five or more hours each day with temperatures at or above 95-degrees.

The weather will remain very dry as an upper level ridge remains anchored to our northwest. This will allow temperatures to rise above 100. On a positive note, the drier air will keep our heat index readings in check. The dry air is also setting the stage for dangerous fire weather conditions and I would certainly avoid burning for next several days. There is a chance a lone shower or storm could develop by Sunday, with a few pop-up afternoon storms next week. Unfortunately the models show the ridge remaining a big factor next week, allowing for the possibility of more triple digit heat through Tuesday.   I'll have the 7-day forecast temps coming up at 5PM!

Fox 6 Meteorologist Wes Wyatt

Follow Me on Facebook

Twitter @ weswyattweather

 

Monday PM Forecast Discussion: Dangerous Heat Wave Continues

This is day number three of a heat wave that has settled into west, central, and east Alabama. Yesterday Tuscaloosa reached a blistering 103 degrees and the heat index topped 105. Today the extreme heat is back and the temperature has reached 100 in Tuscaloosa and Fayette. Temperatures have remained in the upper 90s along and east of I-65 but it still feels like 100 across the entire area.  Here is a look at today’s record highs: Birmingham 101 (1931), Anniston 98 (1978), and Tuscaloosa 100 (1988). Some of these records may show 2012 by this time tomorrow.

The Tropical Storm Warnings have been canceled for Alabama’s Gulf Coast. That said, Debby continues to bring a threat of dangerous rip currents.  Debby is expected to slowly move northwest towards the upper Florida peninsula. The system is now a bit weaker with maximum sustained wind of 45 mph.

Tomorrow a northeast wind will increase on the backside of the tropical low. Temperatures are expected to be a few degrees lower tomorrow so this should keep us below record territory. However, on Wednesday temperatures will be on the rise. Highs by the end of the week will be near 100, with heat index values at or above 105. Our only opportunity for rain at this point will be in the form of a stray afternoon shower or storm next weekend. Join us for more on Fox 6 news starting at 5 PM.

Fox 6 Meteorologist Wes Wyatt

Follow Me on Facebook

Twitter @ weswyattweather

Heat Advisory Issued For Parts Of Our Area-Heat Index Could Top 102 Degrees

The first heat advisory of the season in Alabama has been issued for western parts of the state. This will be in effect between noon and 9 PM today. Tuscaloosa reached 102 yesterday and the temperature could top 100 in multiple locations West of I-65. It is still going to be dangerously hot for Birmingham, Cullman, Clanton and points eastward, with heat index values near 100. Take it extra easy today, stay well hydrated, and try to avoid the extreme heat during the early afternoon hours.  Our friends with the Greater Birmingham Humane Society want us to remind you to make sure the pets have a cool location today.

Fox 6 Meteorologist Wes Wyatt

Follow Me on Facebook

Twitter @ weswyattweather

FOX 6 Visits Walker County Community Day-Tuscaloosa Hits 100!

We want to thank Johnny Burnett with the Walker County EMA for inviting Fox 6 to participate in their community day. They donated hundreds of NOAA Weather Radios to needy families. The Walker County EMA office is located in the old ATT building north of Oakman on Highway 69 south. The event continues this afternoon and some radios are still available. You can also grab a late lunch while you’re there. A familiar face was on hand to help with the grilling, Jim Stefkovich from the National Weather Service.

It is dangerously hot out there! The temperature had to be in the mid 90s at our location near Oakman.  Tuscaloosa has reached 100, the first triple digit value of the season.  This part of our state may reach 102 degrees before the day is over. Please use caution and avoid strenuous outdoor activities this afternoon. Tomorrow and Monday will be similar days, with heat indices topping 100. A few isolated showers have developed over Calhoun, Cleburne, and Clay Counties. The heaviest shower is southeast of Millerville. The system in the Gulf still hasn’t reached tropical depression status but that could change later today. Fred will have another update for you later this afternoon.

Fox 6 Meteorologist Wes Wyatt

Follow Me on Facebook

Twitter @ weswyattweather

Extreme Heat Today-Use Caution

We're already off to a very hot start to this Sunday and temperatures later today will be approaching record territory. Here are the 11AM Heat Index reports.

Avoid strenuous activity, take frequent breaks, and stay well hydrated today!

Fox6 Meteorologist Wes Wyatt

Twitter @weswyattweather

On Facebook: facebook.com/weswyattfox6

Cloudy Today and Turning Much Hotter Late Week

While most of the rain may be gone, the clouds are going to linger for a bit longer.  I seriously doubt we'll see much sunshine until late Tuesday.  The clouds will naturally keep the temperatures on the cooler side today with highs only in the mid 70s.  This morning's GOES satellite imagery does not show much hope of clearing in East Alabama.  You will probably get lucky enough to see some sunshine in our western counties this afternoon.  

Later tonight - the primary concern will be visibility.  I expect fog to develop in areas that were rain-soaked this weekend.  The patchy fog will linger through early Tuesday morning.  During the afternoon Tuesday - it will be gorgeous with sunshine returning.  This week is going to be blessed with some incredible weather.  An upper-level ridge will build across the region beginning Wednesday.  Notice the split jetstream pattern.  The Southeast will be dominated by sunny skies and warming temperatures.  I fully expect many parts of Alabama to be dealing with temperatures in the lower 90s by Friday and Saturday.


I think we're turning a corner here where the temperatures are consistently going to be above average with below-normal rain.  This pattern will likely continue through June or July.  It's great we had a rainy period since Saturday or we'd be moving in a serious drought early this Summer.  The rain we received helped us buy some time.  Notice the Climate Prediction Center's Forecast for temperatures.





Have a great Monday.

J-P Dice
Fox 6 Chief Meteorologist
james.dice@wbrc.com
Twitter: jpdice_Fox6 

Record High Temperatures Possible

With temperatures rising into the middle to upper 80-degree range we expect our highs to approach record levels. We wanted to share some of the record temperatures for today, tomorrow, and Tuesday. 

 TODAY

• Tuscaloosa:     87   (1970/1978)
• Birmingham:  86   (1974)
• Anniston:         87    (1974)

TOMORROW

• Tuscaloosa:    88     (2006)
• Birmingham:  85     (2006)
• Anniston:         87     (1978)

TUESDAY

• Tuscaloosa:    86     (1963)
• Birmingham: 87      (1999)
• Anniston:        89      (1999)

Wes Wyatt-Fox 6 Meteorologist

Follow Me on Twitter@weswyattweather

LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE UPDATES

Second Warmest Summer on Record

Hot August Days in Alabama

A Fox 6 viewer Janiece from Centreville captured this pic yesterday. When this pic was captured the car temperature sensor was reading 102-degrees. We've had lots of 100 plus temperatures reported this week. The big question is will we have more extreme temperatures like this over the coming days. We'll let you know is the forecast coming up at 7:00 AM. Plus, we will have the latest updates on Irene.

Wes Wyatt

Fox 6 Meteorologist

wwyatt@wbrc.com