Sunday brings steamy air, rising temperatures, and scattered afternoon storms
Alabama is feeling the full weight of mid-July heat this Sunday, with temperatures climbing fast and the humidity refusing to back off. As of early afternoon, readings have surged to the mid 90s°F in southern parts of the state, with Andalusia hitting 94°F (34°C), while areas like Anniston and Hamilton are slightly cooler at 87°F (31°C).
But it’s the dew points that are doing the real damage—thick, soupy air is blanketing much of the state, with values in the low to mid 70s. Selma and Gulf Shores are among the most uncomfortable spots, each reporting a dew point of 77°F (25°C) and heat indices topping 106°F (41°C). If you’ve stepped outside today, you already know—it’s the kind of day where the air feels more like a wet blanket than a breeze.
Pop-up storms this afternoon and again on Monday
That moisture is helping to spark scattered thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon hours. Thanks to intense heating and plenty of atmospheric instability, we’re already seeing activity pick up. The greatest risk for storm development will be across west-central and southern Alabama, where CAPE values—a key measure of storm energy—are running high.
Storm coverage will likely stay around 20%, but any cell that develops could bring brief but intense rainfall, gusty winds, and frequent lightning. While most storms will stay below severe limits, an isolated stronger storm can’t be ruled out. If you hear thunder or see dark clouds building nearby, don’t wait to move inside.
Radar check: Strong storms near Birmingham and Montgomery
As of 1:15 p.m., radar shows strong thunderstorms pushing through parts of central Alabama, including areas near Birmingham and Montgomery. Expect heavy downpours, brief wind gusts, and dangerous lightning in these zones. If you’re caught outdoors, it’s time to head for shelter—preferably indoors or inside a vehicle.
More heat and high UV levels through midweek
Looking ahead, Monday will be just as hot—if not hotter—with highs between 91°F and 97°F (33°C to 36°C), and heat indices climbing toward 108°F (42°C) in spots west of I-65. Most of Alabama remains under a moderate to major heat risk, with very high UV levels continuing through at least Saturday.
This kind of setup means sunburns can happen fast, and outdoor conditions may quickly become dangerous for those spending extended time in the heat.
Tropical disturbance being monitored in the Gulf
Meanwhile, eyes are on a weak trough of low pressure in the western Atlantic, slowly drifting west-southwest toward the Gulf of Mexico. While tropical development isn’t expected at this point—the National Hurricane Center gives it just a 20% chance—the system could still bring increased rain chances to parts of southeastern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, coastal Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle by the middle of the week. It’s not expected to be a total washout, but scattered storms and more cloud cover will be likely along the coast.
Midweek pattern shift brings better rain chances
By Tuesday, the pattern begins to shift. Another round of isolated to scattered storms is likely, especially across central and western Alabama, where the heat index may once again exceed 105°F (40°C). Then, starting Wednesday, a low near Florida begins to turn winds more easterly, helping to draw in deeper tropical moisture.
That shift will boost thunderstorm coverage, particularly in the afternoon hours, and help keep high temperatures just a bit more manageable—generally in the mid 90s°F (around 35°C), with heat indices still near 100°F (38°C). Storm chances remain elevated through Friday, before potentially tapering off slightly by the weekend.
A somber reminder from Alabama’s weather history
On this date back in 1961, a woman was killed by lightning while sitting along the bank of Geneva County Lake, near Coffee Springs. The storm hadn’t yet arrived, but the strike came anyway. It’s a tragic reminder that lightning can reach out well ahead of the rain. If you can hear thunder, you’re already at risk. Don’t take chances—get inside.
