Alabama Dry Spell Persists: The dry spell persists in Alabama, and while the state yearns for rain, it seems elusive this week. Birmingham’s total rainfall for October stands at a mere 0.29 inches, with the last substantial downpour exceeding half an inch recorded on September 16. Unfortunately, there’s no relief in sight through the approaching weekend, intensifying the ongoing drought conditions.
The weather forecast paints a picture of mostly sunny and mild days, accompanied by clear and pleasant nights until Sunday. Daytime temperatures are poised to stay above average, ranging from 76 to 83 degrees, while nighttime lows hover mostly in the 50s and low 60s. On a positive note, the weather appears to be favorable for high school and college football games across the Deep South this weekend.
Looking ahead, Hurricane Tammy, currently positioned about 230 miles north/northwest of Anguilla, raises uncertainty with its track and intensity forecast due to evolving upper air patterns. While it doesn’t seem like a substantial rain event at this point, the upcoming week brings the coolest air of the season by Wednesday and Thursday (November 1-2), potentially leading to frost over the latter half of the week.
Meanwhile, showers and thunderstorms are showing signs of organization around a low-pressure system (Invest 95L) in the southwestern Caribbean Sea. Favorable environmental conditions could result in the formation of a short-lived tropical depression before it moves inland over Nicaragua by early Tuesday. Regardless of development, heavy rains over parts of Central America are anticipated in the next couple of days.
ALSO READ: Alabama October Warmth Weather: and a Hint of November Change
Notably, no tropical systems are expected near the Gulf of Mexico this week.
On a historical note, this date in 1878 marks one of the most severe hurricanes affecting eastern Virginia in the latter half of the 19th century. Striking on October 23, 1878, this rapid-moving storm moved northward from the Bahamas, hitting the North Carolina coast and racing through Virginia, Maryland, and eastern Pennsylvania. With a barometric pressure dropping to 28.78 inches, the storm brought sustained winds of 84 mph at Cape Henry and gusts reaching 100 mph at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The instruments recorded until the gale’s heaviest part when they were blown away, leaving no further record.
Our Reader’s Queries
What is the longest drought in Alabama history?
A severe drought lasting from 2005 to early 2008 was one of the most significant in the last two decades. The situation reached its peak during the summer of 2007, leading to the implementation of Level Four watering restrictions in various Alabama communities for the first time in history.
What is the driest month in Alabama?
Throughout central and northern Alabama, monthly rainfall is at its peak from November to April, reaching its highest levels in December or March in cities like Huntsville and Birmingham. Conversely, the driest months are typically from August to October.
Is Alabama going through a drought?
Alabama is currently experiencing a widespread drought, with no relief in sight. The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report, released last Thursday, shows that almost the entire state is either in a drought or on the brink of one.
What does abnormally dry mean?
Unusually parched (D0): Emerging from a drought, some remaining water shortages, pastures or crops not completely rejuvenated.