Special Weather Statement, NWS Birmingham, AL

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
222 PM CDT Sat Jul 31 2021

.SHORT TERM...
/Updated at 0149 PM CDT Sat Jul 31 2021/

This afternoon through Sunday.

Central Alabama will have active weather through Sunday. Scattered
to numerous showers and thunderstorms are anticipated with the
greatest coverage during the heating of the day. The strongest
storms will be capable of producing wind gusts up to 50 mph and
torrential rainfall. Additionally, the combination of high
temperatures and high humidity will lead to dangerous heat indices.
Most of the area will experience maximum heat indices of 104 to 109
degrees this afternoon and 104 to 107 on Sunday afternoon. Near the
Mississippi state line, surface dew points remain quite high and a
few spots may reach 110 briefly. Will stick with a heat advisory for
most of the area through Sunday evening.

This afternoon...The modified 12z raob indicates a moderate to high
microburst chance this afternoon. MLCAPE values should be around
3500 with DCAPE values 1000-1500. The convective temperature is
around 95 degrees which will be reached at several locations and
there will also be several boundary to aide in development. K-
indices indicate plenty of moisture for storm development.
Precipitable water values hover just below 2 inches. The mean wind
flow today is northwest and would expect any storms that develop
would tend to move south to southeast at 10-15 mph or so but also be
influenced by the storm propagation. Our trend for pops in the
forecast is good but will make some spatial adjust. The initiation
points will be south and east central, working into the central
areas within a few hours. Still expecting scattered to numerous
activity. A few locations are already reported heat indices near 105
degrees at this writing. A majority of locations will see heat
indices in the 105-109 range before lowering due to storm activity.
A few spots, especially near the Mississippi state line, may briefly
hit values of 110. Since this will be the exception, will continue
with a heat advisory for all areas.

Tonight...Convection will propagate south southeast and should be
more numerous south after sunset. This activity will wane with the
loss of daytime heating and mostly be gone by 9-10 pm. Very muggy
conditions will remain in place overnight with nearly saturated
conditions and 70 to 75 degrees. A few boundaries move our way in
the northwest flow and approach the area before sunrise. Currently
have small pops for far northern areas if anything pops up before
sunrise.

Sunday...The general trend with regard to the temperatures and heat
indices will be held on to. The heat advisory criteria looks to
still be met for much of the area. Very high surface dew points may
push the 110 degree limit for a warning, but this will be limited in
space and also duration due to convection. Will hold the advisory in
place as is. Storms will develop across a large part of the area
again on Sunday. Numerous smaller scale boundaries, a quasi-
stationary front lingering around northern areas, and mean moisture
gradients will lead to the development. Storms will develop north
and propagate southward with time in the afternoon. The atmosphere
does not change considerably, except for slightly higher winds aloft
and some height falls. Therefore, it appears a few strong storms are
likely with the potential of wind gusts to 50 mph and torrential
rainfall.

75

Previous short-term discussion:
/Updated at 230 AM CDT Sat Jul 31 2021/

Through Sunday.

Most of the showers and storms have dissipated for the night and
will give way to patchy fog and or low clouds, especially north.
As we move into afternoon hours, short range models are indicating
a pretty large swath of rain/storms developing across Central AL.
With plenty of left over boundaries from earlier activity, feel
as though this is a plausible scenario, along with the approaching
front. Confidence has increased to the point that PoPs have been
raised significantly to the likely category across the Central
sections of the area. Now this could dampen the chances of seeing
the extreme heat, but with high moisture content and ample morning
warming will leave the heat advisory as it is. If the rain
develops as expected, then high temperatures may only reach the
low 90s, but heat indices will still be in the 101 to 105 range in
the northeast and with the accumulated heat over the region there
still remains concern for heat illnesses. Storms that do develop
in the afternoon will most likely be strong to marginally severe.
Additional information on microburst potential will be available
after the morning sounding.

Depending on the exact placement of the rain in the afternoon will
play the role in where the best chances tonight will be. Based on
the consensus of the short range, convection based models will go
with a chance of showers and storms in the south, with the best
chances in the southwest. Showers and storms are in the forecast
again on Sunday, with more confidence of seeing significant
coverage during the afternoon ahead of the upper trough. Most of
the convection should be across the northern half of Alabama early
on Sunday and then slide south during the afternoon. There will
likely be a decent temperature gradient across Alabama Sunday
afternoon as a band of convection pushes southward. The hot/humid
air mass that has been across Alabama will still be in place in
areas south of the convective band, and the heat advisory will
be extended for areas along and south of I-20 on Sunday. Some
strong storms also possible Sunday afternoon as forecast soundings
indicate 3000+ CAPE.

16

.LONG TERM...
/Updated at 0211 PM CDT Sat Jul 31 2021/

Sunday night through Friday.

No significant changes made to the extended forecast. An broad
upper trof over the eastern United States will dig southward
through the period. Best rain chances will be Sunday night and
Monday as surface front pushes slowly southward across Central
Alabama. As the trof axis pivots eastward, a drying trend will
ensue over areas west of I-65. Models differ on amount of mid
level drying over east Alabama due to position of upper trof axis,
and small rain chances were left in forecast. The good news is
that daytime temperatures will be below normal.

58/rose

Previous long-term discussion:
/Updated at 0248 AM CDT Sat Jul 31 2021/

Sunday night through Friday.

A seasonally strong mid/upper-level trough will be over the
eastern CONUS for the first half of the extended period,
deamplifying over the second half of the period. A cold front will
sink southward Sunday night and Monday, with scattered to numerous
showers and storms through this period with the highest coverage
in the south. These will be aided by PWATs around 2 inches and the
right entrance region of a seasonally strong upper-level jet
streak. Localized flooding will be possible, as well as some gusty
winds with any storms due to some enhancement to the mid-level
flow resulting in 0-6km bulk shear values around 25 kts. There is
some uncertainty regarding where the front and associated moisture
gradient stalls out Tuesday through the rest of the week, as
several vorticity maxima rotate through the base of the trough.
These could result in waves of low pressure developing along the
front, with associated surges of easterly winds potentially
increasing moisture by a touch in East Alabama. In general PoPs
will be highest southeast and very limited northwest.
Temperatures will be below normal with highs in the mid to upper
80s and lows in the 60s in most areas. More importantly, dew
points will mix down into the 60s during the afternoons in many
areas resulting in more pleasant conditions and no heat advisory
concerns.

32/Davis

&&

.AVIATION...
18Z TAF Discussion.

Shower and thunderstorm development will be widespread
this afternoon and last until around 02z. A few strong storms are
possible with the threat of wind gusts and brief torrential
rainfall. VFR conditions will prevail outside convection with
cumulus around 040-050 and then convective blowoff. Expect the
clouds to diminish overnight. Sunday looks to be a repeat
performance with convection developing again. It looks to be strong
again with the highest coverage just beyond this period. The general
wind direction will be west northwest but will be affected by
convective outflows.

75

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...

Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms will develop
over Central Alabama each afternoon through Monday. A decrease in
rain chances can be expected Tuesday through Friday, but still
scattered in nature. Low level moisture remain very high through
Monday with Minimum RH values over 50 percent. Some drop is
expected the remainder of the week but only into the 40s. As is
typical of the summer pattern, transport winds remain rather
light.

75

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Gadsden     73  93  69  86  64 /  20  60  30  40  30
Anniston    73  93  71  86  67 /  20  60  40  50  30
Birmingham  73  95  72  86  67 /  20  60  40  50  30
Tuscaloosa  75  97  73  86  68 /  20  60  50  60  30
Calera      73  93  72  84  68 /  20  60  50  60  40
Auburn      73  93  73  86  69 /  30  70  50  70  50
Montgomery  75  96  74  89  70 /  40  70  60  80  50
Troy        74  96  73  89  71 /  40  70  60  80  60

&&

.BMX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES/...
Heat Advisory until 9 PM CDT Sunday for the following counties:
Autauga...Barbour...Bibb...Bullock...Chambers...Chilton...Clay...
Coosa...Dallas...Elmore...Fayette...Greene...Hale...Jefferson...
Lamar...Lee...Lowndes...Macon...Marengo...Montgomery...Perry...
Pickens...Pike...Randolph...Russell...Shelby...St. Clair...
Sumter...Talladega...Tallapoosa...Tuscaloosa...Walker.

Heat Advisory until 9 PM CDT this evening for the following
counties: Blount...Calhoun...Cherokee...Cleburne...Etowah...
Marion...Winston.

&&

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
1043 AM CDT Sat Jul 31 2021

ALZ011>015-017>050-011845-
Marion-Lamar-Fayette-Winston-Walker-Blount-Etowah-Calhoun-Cherokee-
Cleburne-Pickens-Tuscaloosa-Jefferson-Shelby-St. Clair-Talladega-
Clay-Randolph-Sumter-Greene-Hale-Perry-Bibb-Chilton-Coosa-Tallapoosa-
Chambers-Marengo-Dallas-Autauga-Lowndes-Elmore-Montgomery-Macon-
Bullock-Lee-Russell-Pike-Barbour-
1043 AM CDT Sat Jul 31 2021

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the counties served by the
National Weather Service office in Birmingham.

.DAY ONE...Outlook through Tonight.

Hot temperatures along with high humidity values will lead to heat
indices reaching or exceeding 105 degrees over much of Central
Alabama today.

A few strong storms may produce isolated and brief instances of
damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Heat indices will continue to be oppressive through Sunday with
values reaching or exceeding 105 degrees.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Activation of storm spotters and emergency management is not
expected at this time.

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
309 PM CDT Sat Jul 31 2021

ALZ035-036-041-312100-
Chilton AL-Autauga AL-Coosa AL-
309 PM CDT Sat Jul 31 2021

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHERN AUTAUGA...CHILTON AND
NORTHWESTERN COOSA COUNTIES UNTIL 400 PM CDT...

At 309 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 6 miles northeast of Jemison to near Plecher.
Movement was east at 20 mph.

Winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Calera, Clanton, Jemison, Thorsby, Maplesville, Billingsley, Vida
Junction, Dollar, Gap Of The Mountain, Parnell, Verbena, Plecher,
Mitchell Lake, Lay Lake Dam, Chilton County Motor Sports Park,
Higgins Ferry Park, Pooles Crossroads, Lay Lake, Minooka Park and
Lomax.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3262 8691 3266 8692 3266 8695 3284 8689
      3284 8688 3288 8688 3307 8682 3307 8667
      3306 8662 3305 8662 3306 8660 3302 8656
      3302 8652 3305 8652 3303 8636 3252 8656
TIME...MOT...LOC 2009Z 281DEG 16KT 3303 8667 3264 8680

87/GRANTHAM

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
311 PM CDT Sat Jul 31 2021

ALZ048-312045-
Russell AL-
311 PM CDT Sat Jul 31 2021

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHEASTERN RUSSELL COUNTY UNTIL
345 PM CDT...

At 310 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Fort Benning/lawson Army Air Fld, or 13 miles south of Phenix City,
moving south at 15 mph.

Winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Fort Mitchell Activity Center and Uchee Creek.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3225 8490 3225 8492 3224 8491 3223 8492
      3222 8494 3222 8497 3221 8498 3220 8496
      3218 8501 3213 8506 3209 8505 3206 8506
      3207 8511 3229 8518 3233 8501 3232 8500
      3230 8494 3227 8490
TIME...MOT...LOC 2010Z 352DEG 12KT 3227 8503

87/GRANTHAM

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
323 PM CDT Sat Jul 31 2021

ALZ027-036-312100-
Talladega AL-Coosa AL-
323 PM CDT Sat Jul 31 2021

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHWESTERN TALLADEGA AND
NORTHWESTERN COOSA COUNTIES UNTIL 400 PM CDT...

At 323 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from Harpersville to near Lay Lake. Movement was
east at 30 mph.

Winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Sylacauga, Childersburg, Talladega Springs, Weogufka, Stewartville,
Hanover, Fayetteville, Strickland Crossroads, Unity, Sycamore, Marble
Valley, Lay Lake, Sylacauga Municipal Airport, Alabama 4H Center,
Overbrook, Shelby Shores, Cedar Creek, Gantts Quarry, Varnons and
Mignon.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3319 8612 3320 8617 3311 8618 3310 8612
      3297 8623 3303 8652 3309 8651 3312 8646
      3317 8650 3319 8650 3320 8646 3324 8646
      3324 8644 3326 8642 3328 8643 3327 8641
      3329 8636 3333 8636 3329 8612
TIME...MOT...LOC 2023Z 289DEG 24KT 3332 8644 3303 8656

87/GRANTHAM

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
341 PM CDT Sat Jul 31 2021

ALZ019-021-026>028-312115-
Calhoun AL-Clay AL-Talladega AL-St. Clair AL-Cleburne AL-
341 PM CDT Sat Jul 31 2021

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR TALLADEGA...SOUTHWESTERN
CALHOUN...SOUTH CENTRAL ST. CLAIR...SOUTHWESTERN CLEBURNE AND
NORTHERN CLAY COUNTIES UNTIL 415 PM CDT...

At 341 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Oxford Lake to Coosa Island. Movement was
south at 20 mph.

Winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Anniston, Oxford, Talladega, Sylacauga, Pell City, Lineville,
Ashland, Cobb Town, West End-Cobb Town, Fort McClellan, Saks,
Lincoln, Munford, Hobson City, Waldo, Alpine Bay Resort, Barfield,
Winterboro, Talladega Superspeedway and Anniston Regional Airport.

LAT...LON 3322 8630 3359 8637 3375 8574 3348 8564
      3333 8565 3332 8564
TIME...MOT...LOC 2041Z 347DEG 18KT 3359 8578 3348 8635

87/GRANTHAM

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
357 PM CDT Sat Jul 31 2021

ALZ025-312130-
Shelby AL-
357 PM CDT Sat Jul 31 2021

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SHELBY COUNTY UNTIL 430 PM CDT...

At 357 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from Westover to near Tannehill Ironworks State
Park. Movement was south at 25 mph.

Winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Calera, Chelsea, Montevallo, Childersburg,
Columbiana, Wilsonville, Vincent, Harpersville, Westover, Wilton,
American Village, Maylene, University Of Montevallo, Shelby County
Airport, Oak Mountain State Park, Joe Tucker Park and Alabama 4H
Center.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3339 8638 3336 8634 3334 8637 3329 8636
      3327 8641 3328 8643 3326 8642 3324 8646
      3320 8646 3320 8649 3318 8650 3316 8649
      3307 8678 3307 8688 3305 8690 3310 8697
      3316 8697 3317 8703 3324 8703 3341 8638
TIME...MOT...LOC 2057Z 357DEG 20KT 3335 8654 3326 8699

87/GRANTHAM

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
359 PM CDT Sat Jul 31 2021

ALZ043>046-049-312145-
Pike AL-Montgomery AL-Macon AL-Bullock AL-Elmore AL-
359 PM CDT Sat Jul 31 2021

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTH CENTRAL PIKE...ELMORE...
WESTERN BULLOCK...SOUTHWESTERN MACON AND CENTRAL MONTGOMERY COUNTIES
UNTIL 445 PM CDT...

At 359 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from Titus to near Elmore to Montgomery to near
Ramer. Movement was southeast at 30 mph.

Winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Eastern Montgomery, Millbrook, Wetumpka, Tallassee, Meadville,
Milstead, Pike Road, Elmore, Coosada, Deatsville, Eclectic, Shorter,
Franklin, Santuck, Auburn University In Montgomery, Dublin, Titus,
Beans Crossroads, Shopton and Ten Cedar Estates.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3210 8629 3234 8623 3254 8641 3275 8641
      3275 8634 3277 8634 3277 8632 3275 8632
      3275 8588 3271 8589 3269 8591 3266 8591
      3265 8589 3249 8589 3249 8581 3232 8580
      3215 8575 3184 8585
TIME...MOT...LOC 2059Z 299DEG 27KT 3273 8633 3257 8634 3238 8615 3208
8622

87/GRANTHAM