Rising Heat Index Values & Storm Risks Dominate Alabama Forecast
The National Weather Service in Birmingham has added Perry County to the existing Severe Thunderstorm Watch that is going on now until Thursday, June 26, at 3 a.m.
Expired - The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Bibb County until 9:45 p.m. The storm was moving southwest at 10 mph. The main threat with this storm system is 60 mph wind gusts and penny-sized hail.
If you thought the past few days were hot, today will be the hottest day of the week. Alabama residents can expect the heat index value to soar up to 108 degrees.
READ MORE: Current Heat Advisory Details for West Alabamians
Due to the very hot and humid conditions, this will provide fuel for potentially damaging winds with any storms that develop this afternoon into the evening hours.
Risk Levels
The Storm Prediction Center categorizes Alabama into three risk level categories: thunderstorms, marginal risk, and slight risk.
West Alabama Risk Areas
Bibb - marginal risk
Fayette – a portion of the county is under a marginal risk
Greene - marginal risk
Hale - marginal risk
Lamar – in the thunderstorm risk level
Perry - marginal risk
Pickens – a portion of the county is under a marginal risk
Sumter - marginal risk
Tuscaloosa - marginal risk
Walker - marginal risk
Possible Threats
James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist said that “surface-based instability values will be very high, and heavier storms that form will be capable of producing strong winds and small hail.”
Timeline
“The chance of any one spot seeing a thunderstorm today is 20-25 percent, and 35-40 percent tomorrow. Most of the storms will develop between 1:00 and 9:00 p.m.,” said Spann.
Looking Ahead to the Threat for Thursday
The entire Townsquare Media coverage area is under a marginal risk for strong to severe storms, with the main threat for damaging winds up to 60 mph focused on the afternoon and evening timeline.
Mary K. – Weather Forecaster
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