RADAR CHECK: On this Memorial Day we have some scattered light rain over central Alabama, but much of the state is dry with temperatures mostly in the 60s. Some patchy dense fog will dissipate by midmorning. Expect a mix of sun and clouds today with a high in the 80s. Like recent days, we will have a passing shower or storm from time to time. It won’t rain all day, and it won’t necessarily rain everywhere.
Where storms do form, they could be heavy, with strong, gusty winds and small hail. There is no tornado risk.
REST OF THE WEEK: The weather won’t change much through the week — partly sunny days with highs in the 80s, and on each day scattered to numerous showers and storms. Heavier storms will be capable of producing gusty winds and small hail; there will be no tornado concerns with the forecast wind profiles. A cold front will push through Friday; drier air will begin to move into the northern counties, where the high will drop into the upper 70s.
THE WEEKEND: For now, the weather looks generally rain-free for a change Saturday and Sunday. Humidity levels will be lower; cooler spots over north Alabama should reach the 50s early Saturday morning. Highs will be mostly in the low 80s.
HURRICANE SEASON ALMOST HERE: The Atlantic hurricane season begins Sunday, June 1, and will continue through the end of November. Most major hurricanes come in August, September and early October. For now, the tropics are very quiet, and no preseason action is expected this week.
ON THIS DATE IN 1917: A major tornadic thunderstorm took a 293-mile track across parts of central Illinois and Indiana. It was once believed to be a single tornado, but later study indicated it was likely at least eight separate tornadoes. Overall, 101 people in Illinois were killed during the outbreak, with 638 injured.
ON THIS DATE IN 2003: A BMI Airbus bound for Cyprus from Manchester, England, encountered a violent thunderstorm over Germany. The plane bounced and twisted violently as it ran into severe turbulence with huge hailstones pounding the exterior. A football-sized hole was punched in the aircraft’s surface. None of the 213 passengers or eight crew members was seriously hurt.
For more weather news and information from James Spann and his team, visit AlabamaWx.
