James Spann: Comfortable August weather for Alabama to start the week

RADAR CHECK: Most of the meaningful showers are across the southeast corner of Alabama this afternoon … the rest of the state is dry with a generally cloudy sky. Temperatures are remarkably comfortable for August, with most places in the 70s at mid-afternoon. A few new record low maximum temperatures are likely.

Temperatures will slowly rise each day through the rest of the week, but highs will remain below 90 for the northern 2/3 of the state. Scattered showers will be possible each day, but they should be isolated and not widespread.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Not much change. Highs in the 86-92 degree range with the chance of a few widely scattered afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.

TROPICS: Tropical Storm Dexter formed in the Atlantic last night, well east of the U.S. East Coast. It will stay far from land and will become post-tropical by early Thursday.

Elsewhere, a tropical wave located just off the west coast of Africa is currently producing minimal shower activity. As the wave moves west-northwestward over the next few days, environmental conditions are forecast to become favorable for gradual development. A tropical depression could form by the latter portion of this week as the system continues moving generally west-northwestward across the central tropical Atlantic. NHC gives it a 50% chance of development; if anything forms here it will turn north into the open Atlantic and is no threat to land.

There is one other area of interest; a broad area of low pressure is forecast to develop in a day or two several hundred miles off the coast of the southeastern United States. Some gradual development of this system is possible during the middle or latter portion of this week as the system moves slowly westward to northwestward. NHC gives this a 30% chance of development.

No tropical storms or hurricanes are expected in the Gulf for at least the next seven days.

ON THIS DATE IN 2008: Severe storms moved across northern Illinois and Indiana with tornadoes and stiff winds reported. With tornado sirens blaring, the game at Wrigley Field between Cubs and Astros was stopped as fans were told to evacuate to the lower concourse. Passengers at O’Hare International Airport were evacuated to lower levels of buildings as well. An estimated 350 flights were canceled.

For more weather news and information from James Spann and his team, visit AlabamaWx.com.