FIRST ALERT: More triple digit heat index levels on Monday; storms increasingly likely by mid-week

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - REST OF TODAY AND TONIGHT: We are experiencing one of the hottest days of the summer, with feels-like temperatures topping 100º in many locations. The heat index will remain in the 95º to 105º range through 7PM this evening. The coverage of afternoon storms remains very limited today, with most of the development in areas north and east of Birmingham. It’s possible we may be tracking a few lingering showers or a storm as late as 9PM this evening. However, most of the wet weather will be dissipating overnight, with lows in the middle 70s.

FIRST ALERT FOR HIGHER RAIN CHANCES THIS WEEK: The weather story for this week will be a gradual increase in scattered storms. An upper level ridge of high pressure will set the stage for more blistering heat on Monday, with highs in the middle to upper 90s. Scattered storms and showers will be possible in the afternoon and evening, with the greatest chance for storms in areas to the east, along the eastern edge of the high pressure ridge.

After tomorrow, the core of the high pressure ridge will slide to the west and allow for more widespread storm development each day. Starting on Tuesday, the chance for rain development will not only be limited to the afternoon, but we may also see a few pop-ups before lunchtime. Some storms may also linger late into the night. I’d still plan on periods of hot and humid weather between Tuesday and Friday but stay weather alert for lightning producers. There is a good chance some of the storms may be strong this week, with the possibility of damaging wind gusts, small hail, and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning.

THE WEEKEND: The weather situation won’t change much by the end of the week but with time you will notice a big increase in how muggy it feels. Deeper moisture will develop over the region and this will fuel more scattered downpours and storms for Saturday and Sunday. The weekend won’t be a washout but I’d have a back-up plan due to possible storm delays. Storms that develop later in the week could easily produce a quick two plus inches of rain, with an increasing risk of localized flash flooding.

There is a new tropical wave that has emerged over the far eastern Atlantic. This one will need to be monitored as it crosses the Atlantic over the coming days. There is a 50% chance this system will become better organized within the next five days. I’ll share an update on this systems location and show you the forecast track in First Alert Weather starting at 9PM on WBRC Fox6.

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