By Jim Stefkovich, Meteorologist, Alabama Emergency Management Agency
CLANTON – Monday, 7:30 am August 7, 2023
The combination of a very unstable atmosphere and upper-level systems producing Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCS) will produce severe weather across portions of the state from today through at least Wednesday and possibly Thursday into Saturday as well.
In addition, high heat and humidity will result in Heat Index values from 107-113 today, prompting Excessive Heat Warnings and a Heat Advisory, which will likely continue throughout much of the week for portions of the state.
Prolonged exposure can increase your risk of heat related illnesses, such as heat stroke. If you must be outside, take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.
For today, a line of thunderstorms is forecast to enter northwest AL late morning or early afternoon and move southeastward through this evening. An Enhanced Risk of severe storms is forecast near and north of I-20, where pockets of damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph and large hail are the threats. South of I-20, a few damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail are also possible.
Make sure you have at least two methods to receive severe weather warnings and get inside a sturdy building if a warning is issued.
On Tuesday, another MCS will move into the state by late morning through early evening. A few damaging wind gusts and hail are the threats. As has been stated several times in previous briefings, the predictability for timing and exact locations for MCS activity beyond 12 hours is low due to the relatively small size of these systems. Potential changes to this forecast may occur in later updates.
On Wednesday, yet another MCS is forecast during the afternoon and evening hours with a damaging wind threat. Unfortunately, the unsettled pattern continues from Thursday into the weekend with the potential for additional severe weather each day.
