WEDNESDAY: Hurricane Sally will make its closest pass to the region through the day – bringing with it gusty winds and a few downpours. The heaviest rain and wind impacts will remain well east of our area. Highs, amid the clouds and breezes, will top out in the 80s – gusts could be around 20-30 mph through the afternoon hours. Clouds break a little overnight with lows in the upper 60s and lower 70s.
SALLY IMPACTS: The storm is expected turn slowly northward through the day – making landfall late tonight or Wednesday morning along the northern Gulf Coast. While the track takes most of the impacts away from our local area – the possibility of flooding rain of 10-30"+, hurricane force winds and high storm surge are possible along the northern Gulf Coast.
THURSDAY: As Sally sluggishly turns northeastward – in its wake, a front will begin to slip southward across our area. With that, expect a mix of clouds and sun with highs in the 80s with continued gusty breezes in the 20-30 mph range. A shower or two can’t be ruled out, though most will remain dry.
EXTENDED FORECAST: As Sally moves farther away – a front will be trekking southward into the latter part of the week and into the weekend. That front will move through the area by Friday into Saturday, ushering in a drop in humidity and drop in temperatures. Expect highs in the lower to middle 80s; morning lows dipping into the upper 50s and lower 60s Sunday morning through next Tuesday.
Patrick Ellis
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx