HOT
It is downright hot out there. A heat advisory has been issued for our area until Monday at 7pm. We are expecting temperatures to get into the upper 90s with a few locations probably topping out at 100. Rainfall would be the only thing that could cool us down, unfortunately that looks like it is in short supply.
We continue to watch an active tropical year make news as TD seven has formed. This isn't expected to become a hurricane, however. It is expected to move across the Bay of Campeche towards the same areas of Mexico that felt the impact from Emily earlier this week. Franklin continues as a tropical storm in the Atlantic. It now has winds of 65 mph as it moves away from the US.
Be sure to take precautions when heading outdoors on Sunday. Drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen, taking several breaks from the heat when possible. Stay cool Meridian!
Franklin Update
* We are getting the idea that Franklin will curve out to sea and not affect land. A few of the computer models suggest otherwise - some models show Franklin making a hard left turn and moving over the Florida peninsula. We don't think this is the most likely solution, but these tropical systems can often offer up some surprises. So, we'll continue to monitor things.
* We are also watching a cluster of thunderstorms off the Yucatan peninsula. This could become Tropical Depression Seven Saturday. The NHC will be sending an aircraft into this system to investigate today. The system appears likely to move along roughly the same path as Emily, into the northern Mexico coastline. If it does follow Emily's path, it could be limited in strength because of upwelling of cooler waters in the wake of Emily.
* Heading to Mobile for a relaxing weekend with some friends. Might even cruise down to Gulf Shores tomorrow and enjoy a day on the beach.
Tropical Storm Franklin
Tropical Storm Franklin has formed near the Bahamas...Here's the official statement from the National Hurricane Center:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCUAT1+shtml/212256.shtmlWe'll be watching it...I'll post a full update with forecast thoughts late tonight or early tomorrow...
TD 6 Forms...
* Tropical Depression 6 has formed near the Bahamas. I would imagine the next update will likely upgrade the depression to Tropical Storm Franklin. The convection over the system has weakened slightly this afternoon, but the outflow is excellent and there has been a well-defined eye feature through much of the day.
The track of Franklin is tough to forecast. The official NHC forecast takes Franklin in a small loop, essentially ending on Tuesday in the same approximate place it is now. It's simply too early to call right now.
* Tropical Depression 7 may be forming soon. A cluster of storms over the western Caribbean is continuing to slowly get more organized. We will be monitoring things closely in the tropics!
Nervous Tropics...
* Watching a cluster of thunderstorms just to the east of Cuba. This cluster is trying to become better organized, and the National Hurricane Center plans to do a recon flight into the system tomorrow afternoon to get more information. We'll pass along any updates.
* Big Changes in the TV market...I'm sure you've read or heard about the recent changes around here. Gray TV, our parent company, is going to launch a new digital channel called FOX Meridian. Gray TV has also reached an agreement in principle to acquire WGBC, Channel 30. This will mean that we will run 3 stations out of our facility here. WTOK will remain an ABC affiliate - and will be unchanged by these developments. It will be interesting to see how this progresses over the next year or so. I'll keep you updated...
* HOT. The heat has been out in full force across many parts of the U.S., especially the Southwest. Temps are heating up around here as well! Highs tomorrow will likely reach the middle 90's, as a ridge of high pressure aloft continues to build in from the west.
Emily's Second Landfall
Mexico is bracing for the second landfall of Hurricane Emily. She is expected to make landfall in the northern part of Mexico just south of Brownsville, TX. Emily is moving west-northwest at 13mph. At this rate the storm should move ashore around sunrise Wednesday morning.
It is possible for the storm to become a major hurricane before landfall. Current winds are 100mph and the minimum central pressure is down to 959mb.
She should bring some much needed rain for south Texas. 5-10 inches are possible over the lower Rio Grande River valley over the next few days.
Warm Week Ahead
It was a warm day across East Mississippi and West Alabama with most locations making it into the lower 90s. A few thunderstorms developed from Quitman to Meridian but most locations remained dry.
A warmer and drier week is in the pictures for us this week. Temperatures will climb into the lower to mid 90s across the region with isolated afternoon thunderstorms possible for most locations. With high temperatures and dewpoints likely, make sure to drink plenty of water if you are planning on spending time outdoors during the day!
