MARVELOUS MAY WEATHER: Today through Friday will remain generally dry and we are seeing more sun than clouds. Highs today will be in the low 80s followed by mid to upper 80s tomorrow. On Friday, cooler and drier air will move into the state with highs falling into the 70s over the northern half of the state, while 80s are expected over South Alabama. Lows will be in the 50s.
BIRMINGHAM ALMANAC: For May 21st, the average high for Birmingham is 83° and the average low is 63°. The record high is 98° set in 1962, while the record low is 40° set in 1953. We average 0.15” of precipitation on this date and the record value is 2.27” set in 2003.
ACROSS THE USA: Heavy to excessive rainfall may lead to flooding today over southwest Pennsylvania into northern West Virginia, and western Maryland. Severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening in the Mid-South and across Eastern North Carolina. An extended period of hot weather is forecast for parts of coastal southern California including Los Angeles from today through Thursday.
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND: Saturday looks to remain dry across Alabama, but over the weekend moisture levels begin to rise and we will have to mention the chance for scattered showers and storms over the northern half of the state by Sunday. Showers and storms are more likely Monday with the approach of a cold front. Highs through the holiday will be in the 80s, while lows will be in the 60s. Overall the great weather for most of the holiday weekend for Alabama, before the rain and storms return on Memorial Day.
NEXT WEEK: For the final week of May, cooler drier air returns to Alabama with highs in the 70s for North Alabama by Wednesday and Thursday. Then temps slowly begin to moderate towards the following weekend. Most of the week remains generally dry for now.
WORLD TEMPERATURE EXTREMES: Over the last 24 hours, the highest observation outside the U.S. was 122.2F at Bandar-E-Dayyer, Iran. The lowest observation was -105.9F at Vostok, Antarctica.
CONTIGUOUS TEMPERATURE EXTREMES: Over the last 24 hours, the highest observation was 106F at Faith Ranch, TX. The lowest observation was 14F at Mackay, ID.
