By Jim Stefkovich, Meteorologist, Alabama Emergency Management Agency
CLANTON – Thursday, 7:30 am August 24, 2023
Before discussing the tropics, another day of high temperatures and humidity will lead to dangerous heat index values across the northern and western portions of the state. Prolonged exposure can increase your risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water if you must be outdoors and never leave people or pets unattended in vehicles.
Just like that, conditions have changed for the Gulf of Mexico in the past 24 hours.
An area of low pressure along the coast of Central America is forecast to move into the northwestern Caribbean Sea by this weekend as it moves northward. A tropical depression is possible later this weekend or early next week. There is currently a 50% chance of development. It should be noted long-term track and intensity confidence is low right now.
With that said, “if” this system continues to develop and remains on a northward track, landfall could occur anywhere from the Mississippi Coast to Florida Peninsula in the middle to the latter part of next week. Keep up to date with the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov).
If you haven’t done so already, NOW is the time to prepare for the remainder of the season, as we are at the peak of tropical activity. A one-stop shop for being prepared before, during, and after a storm can be found at: National Hurricane Preparedness | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa.gov)
Finally, Tropical Storm Franklin and two areas of low pressure in the Atlantic are forecast to remain away from the US coastline.