Powerful Storm System on the Way!

Another powerful storm system will charge through central Alabama bringing a threat of strong to possibly even some severe thunderstorms. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

Today is going to be another active weather day across the Southeast as another strong low pressure system brings a chance of severe thunderstorms this afternoon into tonight. As far as the CBS 42 viewing area goes, the latest forecast information shows the greatest risk of severe weather in the southern part of our state where the most unstable air will reside. Thus, a higher threat of dangerous thunderstorms will be mainly south of a line from Demopolis to Montgomery to Montgomery (south of I-80). Nevertheless, if the moist, unstable air lifts farther north than forecast, more of central Alabama will fall into this severe weather risk. Otherwise for today, we can expect some beneficial rain. Right now, I'm thinking roughly around an inch of rain is expected. This afternoon, we are really going to begin to see our winds pick up. Expect sustained winds of 15-25 mph with gusts 30-35 mph.

**The NWS in Bham has issued a LAKE WIND ADVISORY that is in effect from 5pm this afternoon to 4am Friday morning. A Lake Wind Advisory indicates that winds will cause rough chop on area lakes. Small boats will be especially prone to capsizing.**
To recap today's forecast, temperatures are starting off this morning in the low to mid 30's with winds out of the East 5-10 mph. Winds will begin to pick up from the southeast, mainly later on today. Rain chances will significantly increase this afternoon as more moisture is being pumped into the area by breezy, southerly winds. Daytime highs will be in the mid to upper 50s. Again, if it remains this cool across central Alabama, it will be difficult for this storm system to produce severe thunderstorms. However, please stay with CBS 42 through the day as we track this weather system Today.

After midnight, storms and widespread rain will move out of our viewing area allowing northwest winds to usher more cold, dry air back into central Alabama. As a result, expect clearing skies on Friday with highs only in the mid 40s.

The weekend looks milder with nice outdoor weather conditions. Saturday we can expect mostly sunny skies with highs near 60 degrees. On Sunday, we bring a slight chance for rain back into the forecast. Otherwise, expect partly cloudy skies with daytime highs in the mid 60's.