Public Information Statement

Issued: November 15, 2007

...Central Alabama Weather & Climate Information...
...September & October 2007...

September was characterized by above normal temperatures for both highs and lows. Although a few inches of rain fell in most spots, monthly rainfall deficits were reported again and this did not improve the prolonged drought situation. A large part of Central Alabama remained under D4 Exceptional Drought conditions. Soil moistures remained very low adversely affecting most crops and producing a High Fire Danger. River and lake levels were close to all time low marks and water restrictions continued for many municipalities across Central Alabama. Read the latest Drought Statement...Here.

The National Weather Service strives to emphasize lightning awareness and safety as no location is immune to a lightning strike. The National Weather Service office took a direct lightning strike on September 2nd. Luckily, no one was injured but several computer and electrical systems were significantly damaged. Read more...Here.

October continued the trend of above normal monthly temperatures with average highs well above normal. Conversely, several surges of drier air from the north allowed average low temperatures to drop several degrees below normal. Typically, October rainfall amounts are the lowest of the year for any month. Central Alabama generally reported below normal rainfall again. Although drought conditions fluctuated a bit in October, most locations ended the month in D4 Exceptional Drought. Area waterways continued to be severely impacted and a few wildfires occurred due to the dry conditions. Local municipalities continue with water conservation efforts. Read the latest Drought Statement...Here.

Storm-Based Warnings were put into effect on October 1st. Storm- Based Warnings show the specific meteorological or hydrological threat area and are not restricted by geopolitical boundaries. By focusing on the true threat area, warning polygons will improve the National Weather Service warning accuracy and quality. Read more...Here.

Severe weather, including tornado development, is typically at a minimum during the late summer and early fall across Central Alabama. Most severe weather occuring in September and October would be related to tropical cyclone activity. But a few tornadoes did develop during September and October this year. In fact, the last time a tornado occurred in Central Alabama during October was back in 2001. See October tornadoes...Here.

A low pressure area developed in the northeast Gulf of Mexico on September 28th. Thunderstorms formed during the late afternoon in association with this low. A weak tornado touched down near Clio in Barbour County, but fortunately, little to no damage was reported.

A cold front moving all the way through Central Alabama in October is somewhat unusual as October is climatologically the driest month of the year. Nevertheless, a cold front pushed through the region on October 18th and 19th. Several damaging wind events and one hail episode occurred as the front moved through. A weak tornado touched down in Marion County on the southern side of Haleyville. Several trees and power lines were toppled over and one home was damaged. View Storm Survey...Here. From October 17th through October 19th, 87 tornadoes occurred nationwide according to the Storm Prediction Center. This tornado outbreak in October surpassed the previous record of 63 tornadoes that occurred from October 23rd to October 27th in 1997.

An unseasonably deep upper level trough moved eastward across the continental United States on October 22nd and 23rd. This allowed another cold front to zip across the area. This front was responsible for numerous wind damage occurrences and a few tornadoes. Instability was limited with this event as little to no lightning activity was produced by the severe thunderstorms. One tornado developed near Newbern in Hale County, one touched down just southwest of Brent in Bibb County, and another tornado dropped down near Lowndesboro in Lowndes County. View Storm Survey...Here. Nationwide, 105 tornadoes occurred in October 2007 which ranks second behind the 117 tornadoes reported back in October 2001.

Montgomery set a new record high October 17th when 92 degrees was measured. The previous record was 88 degrees set in 1962.

The Climate Prediction Center Long Range Outlook for the remainder of November through January calls for above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation.

Unofficial Precipitation Deficits for the Period January 1st through November 14th 2007;

Unofficial temperature and precipitation data for selected sites;

Unofficial temperature and precipitation data for selected sites;

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