Special Weather Statement, NWS Tallahassee, FL

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
337 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2026

...New SHORT TERM, LONG TERM, MARINE, FIRE WEATHER, HYDROLOGY...

.KEY MESSAGES...
Issued at 154 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2026

- Long-duration hazardous heat wave continues for another few
  days, though extreme heat is unlikely beyond today. Heat
  products will keep being issued accordingly. Very warm nighttime
  temperatures offer little relief. Please exercise heat safety:
  www.weather.gov/safety/heat.

- While rain chances taper off some through the middle of the
  week, thunderstorms remain in the forecast, especially by the
  week's end. Strong-gusty winds, frequent lightning and locally
  heavy rain are the main threats.

- The heat wave is poised to break late this week or early
  weekend, which likely opens the door for a more convectively
  active pattern late this week and into some of the weekend.

&&

.SHORT TERM...
(This Evening through Wednesday)
Issued at 154 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2026

For the rest of the afternoon/evening scattered showers and storms
are expected to develop ahead of a weak mid-level trough
approaching the forecast area from the northwest. A deeply
unstable airmass combined with high mixing heights, thanks to the
heat, should allow fairly strong wind gusts in the strongest
storms this afternoon/evening. This is typically an environment
favorable for microbursts so localized damaging wind gusts can't
be ruled out in any severe storms. This risk has been highlighted
by a marginal (level 1 of 5) risk of severe weather by the Storm
Prediction Center with the afternoon update. These risks stretch
from southern Alabama into the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend.
Thunderstorm activity should continue in the early evening hours
before gradually winding down through the evening.

The heat finally begins to slowly relent into Wednesday as we
begin to see the influence of a weak mid level trough dropping
south into the southeast US. This will help bring some drier mid-
level air into the region and with it lower dewpoints. This should
remove most concerns for heat advisories across our Alabama and
Georgia counties (outside extreme southern Georgia along the
Florida border). Further to the south, the relief from this trough
won't be as large, with the ridge weakening it should take the
edge of the heat we've seen lately and it's unlikely extreme heat
warnings are necessary for Wednesday. However, we'll still see
advisory level heat indices around 108-112F.

Similar to this afternoon, another round of scattered showers and
storms is expected Wednesday afternoon, though most activity will
be focused across our Florida counties with rain chances ranging
from 50 to 60% across Florida to only 10% across our northern
counties in central Georgia and southeast Alabama. Like today, an
isolated strong storm can't be ruled out, but the lower max
temperatures should reduce the microburst potential somewhat.

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Wednesday night through next Monday)
Issued at 154 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2026

The weak trough that moved through Wednesday will gradually cut-
off across the northern Gulf through the end of the week as daily
chances for showers and storms continue. Relief from the heat will
continue to be very gradual. Most of our Florida counties are
still likely to see heat advisories into the end of the week.
However, the threat will certainly become more borderline. Daily
chances for shower and thunderstorms are expected in the presence
of the cut-off low and these chances will last into the weekend
ahead of a broader mid-level trough moving into the southeast US.

With the higher chances of showers and thunderstorms early this
weekend with the trough, and the drier air moving in late this
weekend behind it, we should finally get an area-wide break from
the heat advisories.

&&

.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFS)
Issued at 138 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2026

Better moisture resides from southeast AL southeast to the Big
Bend and this is the favored area for convection today. First
along the seabreeze later this afternoon with additional
development into southern AL. Strong and gusty winds will
accompany stronger storms along with frequent lightning and heavy
rainfall. VFR expected outside of storms through tonight with
brief periods of MVFR/IFR underneath heavier convection. Towards
dawn, there is a low probability of MVFR vsbys but not enough
confidence to add into TAFs attm.

&&

.MARINE...
Issued at 154 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2026

Persistent high pressure maintains favorable boating conditions
the next several days outside of thunderstorms, for which chances
increase Wednesday through Saturday. Prevailing gentle to moderate
west winds are forecast with daily afternoon seabreezes across
the immediate nearshore legs. Daily chances for showers and storms
can be expected, especially in the overnight and morning hours.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 154 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2026

The main fire concerns continue to be areawide hazardous heat
conditions persisting through at least mid week and daily chances
for afternoon thunderstorms. However, the heat will slowly abate
with advisories likely not being needed by the weekend. High
temperatures well into the 90s will be common with heat indices
of 108 to 112 into Friday afternoon. Thunderstorms will be
capable of frequent lightning, gusty/erratic winds, and locally
wetting rains are additional threats. Prevailing west to NW winds
are forecast outside of daily afternoon seabreezes across our
Florida counties.

The heat and thunderstorm activity should be greatest across the
FL zones as a weak frontal system slides south. This front will
bring drier conditions and lower heat concerns across our AL/GA
counties by the end of the week, but the drier air could bring
some localized fire weather concerns into the forecast.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
Issued at 154 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2026

Thunderstorms will be capable of producing localized nuisance
flooding in urban, poor-drainage, and low-lying areas. Otherwise,
there are no significant hydrological concerns the next several
days. All area rivers are currently running well below action
stage.

&&

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not requested. However, spotters are always
encouraged to safely report significant weather conditions when they
occur by calling the office or tweeting us @NWSTallahassee.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Tallahassee   77  96  76  97 /  20  50  10  50
Panama City   80  93  80  93 /  20  40  20  50
Dothan        75  95  75  97 /  20  20  10  10
Albany        76  97  74  99 /  20  10  10  10
Valdosta      76  97  75  97 /  20  30  20  50
Cross City    77  95  76  94 /  20  30  40  60
Apalachicola  80  92  79  92 /  10  40  30  50

&&

.TAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
FL...Heat Advisory until 7 PM CDT this evening for FLZ007.

     Heat Advisory from 11 AM EDT /10 AM CDT/ to 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/
     Wednesday for FLZ007>019-027>029-034-108-112-114-115-118-
     127-128-134-326-426.

     Extreme Heat Warning until 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/ this evening for
     FLZ008>019-027>029-034-108-112-114-115-118-127-128-134-326-
     426.

     High Rip Current Risk through late tonight for FLZ112-114.

GA...Heat Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for GAZ120>131-142>148-
     161.

     Heat Advisory from 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Wednesday for GAZ155>161.

     Extreme Heat Warning until 8 PM EDT this evening for GAZ155>160.

AL...Heat Advisory until 7 PM CDT this evening for ALZ065>069.

GM...None.
&&

SHORT TERM...Dobbs
LONG TERM....Dobbs
AVIATION...Scholl
MARINE...Dobbs
FIRE WEATHER...Dobbs
HYDROLOGY...Dobbs

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
629 PM CDT Tue Aug 18 2026

ALZ069-FLZ011-190000-
Houston AL-Jackson FL-
629 PM CDT Tue Aug 18 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN HOUSTON AND NORTH
CENTRAL JACKSON COUNTIES THROUGH 700 PM CDT...

At 629 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles southeast of Cottonwood, moving south at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Malone, Greenwood, Bascom, Crosby, Two Egg, Grangeburg, Chattahoochee
SP, Lucy, and Sills.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3108 8523 3105 8502 3077 8510 3092 8522
      3094 8534
TIME...MOT...LOC 2329Z 012DEG 14KT 3097 8518

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

02-MONTGOMERY

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
639 PM CDT Tue Aug 18 2026

ALZ065-066-190015-
Dale AL-Coffee AL-
639 PM CDT Tue Aug 18 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHERN DALE AND NORTHEASTERN
COFFEE COUNTIES THROUGH 715 PM CDT...

At 639 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Ariton, or 8 miles southeast of Brundidge, moving southeast at 15
mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Ozark, Fort Rucker, Ariton, Greater Salem Church, Dill, Rocky Head,
Arguta, Beamon, Dale County Lake, Marley Hill, Dillard, Phillips
Crossroads, Hwy 231 Pea River Bridge, and Skipperville.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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 3162 8560 3150 8550 3142 8567 3140 8579
      3162 8583
TIME...MOT...LOC 2339Z 333DEG 12KT 3162 8575

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

02-MONTGOMERY

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
755 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2026

FLZ012>014-112-114-190100-
Coastal Bay FL-Inland Bay FL-Calhoun FL-Inland Gulf FL-
Coastal Gulf FL-
755 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN GULF...BAY AND
SOUTHWESTERN CALHOUN COUNTIES IN THE PANHANDLE OF FLORIDA THROUGH 900
PM EDT/800 PM CDT/...

At 755 PM EDT/655 PM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking strong
thunderstorms along a line extending from 7 miles northeast of Panama
City Beach to 6 miles northeast of Lynn Haven to 17 miles northeast
of Hiland Park. Movement was southeast at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Panama City, Lynn Haven, Panama City Beach, Callaway, Springfield,
Mexico Beach, Hiland Park, Tyndall Air Force Base, Parker, St Andrews
State Park, Southport, Allanton, Cedar Grove, Dirego Park, Beacon
Beach, College Station, Gulf Resort Beach, Bayou George, West Panama
City, and Camp Flowers.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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 3042 8593 3042 8592 3041 8591 3041 8588
      3042 8588 3040 8558 3041 8533 2999 8518
      2990 8520 2991 8552 3011 8587 3041 8594
TIME...MOT...LOC 2355Z 323DEG 18KT 3031 8580 3031 8558 3037 8540

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

02-MONTGOMERY

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
710 PM CDT Tue Aug 18 2026

ALZ069-190045-
Houston AL-
710 PM CDT Tue Aug 18 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EASTERN HOUSTON COUNTY THROUGH
745 PM CDT...

At 710 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Ashford, or 12 miles northeast of Cottonwood, moving south at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Cottonwood, Ashford, Cowarts, Webb, Columbia, Kinsey, Avon, Gordon,
Pansey, Crosby, Grangeburg, Sigma, Pearce, Enon, Lovetown, Barber,
Pleasant Plains, Chattahoochee SP, Lucy, and Farley Nuclear Plant.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3131 8511 3128 8510 3128 8511 3126 8511
      3123 8510 3120 8511 3117 8510 3115 8507
      3112 8506 3111 8503 3107 8503 3101 8500
      3100 8500 3100 8530 3131 8531
TIME...MOT...LOC 0010Z 342DEG 11KT 3121 8519

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

02-MONTGOMERY

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
711 PM CDT Tue Aug 18 2026

ALZ066-190045-
Dale AL-
711 PM CDT Tue Aug 18 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHERN DALE COUNTY THROUGH 745
PM CDT...

At 711 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Ariton, or 7 miles northwest of Ozark, moving southeast at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Daleville, Fort Rucker, Ozark, Level Plains, Newton, Ariton, Hunt
Field, Waterford, Dill, Hooper Stage Field, Knox Field, Mabson,
Arguta, Ewell, Dale County Lake, Marley Hill, Greater Salem Church,
Dean Church Road, Bagwells Crossroads, and Lowe Army Heliport.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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 3140 8545 3128 8574 3144 8579 3157 8579
      3162 8567 3162 8563
TIME...MOT...LOC 0011Z 334DEG 13KT 3152 8570

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

02-MONTGOMERY

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
821 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2026

FLZ013-014-326-426-190100-
Southern Liberty FL-Calhoun FL-Northern Liberty FL-Inland Gulf FL-
821 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN GULF...CENTRAL
CALHOUN COUNTIES IN THE PANHANDLE OF FLORIDA AND LIBERTY COUNTIES IN
BIG BEND FLORIDA THROUGH 900 PM EDT/800 PM CDT/...

At 821 PM EDT/721 PM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking a strong
thunderstorm 8 miles southwest of Blountstown, moving south at 20
mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Blountstown, Stonemill Creek, Orange, Wewahitchka, Bristol,
Honeyville, Jewel Fire Tower, Clarksville, Abe Springs, Vilas,
Chipola Cutoff, Hosford, Jensen Place, Central City, Red Hill, Clio,
Scotts Ferry, Kennys Mill, Estiffanulga, and Kern.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3041 8533 3053 8505 3054 8488 3053 8488
      3053 8486 3032 8470 3029 8473 3028 8473
      3026 8474 3025 8470 3023 8470 3022 8468
      3021 8468 2998 8518
TIME...MOT...LOC 0021Z 340DEG 17KT 3033 8514

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

02-MONTGOMERY