textproduct: Huntsville

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 323 AM CDT Thu Aug 27 2026

- Low chances for showers and thunderstorms will be forecast in portions of far NE AL and far NW AL this afternoon into the late evening; no impacts anticipated.

- Dangerous heat will return late this weekend into early next week with heat indices approaching or exceeding 100 degrees.

NEAR TERM

(Today) Issued at 323 AM CDT Thu Aug 27 2026

High clouds have finally begun to thin early this morning, especially north of the Tennessee River. Given the widespread wetting rains that occurred yesterday, moist boundary layer conditions and calm winds have allowed patchy fog to develop in these areas north of the river. At this time, observational and satellite imagery does not indicate the fog has become too widespread. However, we'll have to watch this closely as we approach daybreak -- especially in the sky clears by 5-6 AM. A Dense Fog Advisory may be needed should this occur.

Any fog should dissipate by mid morning with some partial cloud cover hanging on due to passing cirrus. Regardless, there should be ample heating today which will result in highs reaching the lower 90s in most locations. With the front nearby and a passing shortwave, a low to medium chance of showers and storms (20-40%) is again forecast this afternoon (with the greatest coverage overnight northeast Alabama). Locally heavy downpours and gusty winds will be the main impacts with the strongest activity.

SHORT TERM

(Tonight through Saturday) Issued at 1048 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2026

As an upper level ridge continues to shift eastward into the Tennessee Valley, a gradual warming pattern will take place along with mostly dry post-frontal conditions. Highs should reach comfortably into the 90s by Saturday along with heat indices up to 100 degrees. As far as rain chances go, low chances (20% or less) will exist in NE AL Thursday afternoon as a result of the boundary stalling to our south. As the cold front shifts southeastward into our area Thursday night, a few showers are likely to accompany it into far NW AL before dissipating as they approach the Tennessee River. Storms should remain sub-severe with lack of shear and relatively weak lapse rates. Outside of Thursday, mostly dry weather remains in the short term period.

LONG TERM

(Saturday night through Wednesday) Issued at 1048 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2026

The long term forecast will be largely dominated by a strong upper ridge that will bring a relatively dry but hot airmass to the area. Highs on Sunday will climb to the low 90s while large scale subsidence and afternoon mixing help keep heat indices near or below the 100 degree mark. As the upper ridge builds in and becomes better amplified next week, H85 temps will climb to the 20-25C range, translating to sfc temps in the mid to upper 90s. The good news that may suppress a larger heat wave threat will be that the dewpoint temps are slightly lower than what we have seen in recent events. Even still, afternoon heat indices will rise to the 100-107 degree range next week and any trends that favor a slightly more moist environment would work to increase the risk for dangerous heat. Summer is not over yet, so remember to practice and plan for dangerous temps and very hot outdoor working conditions. The limited moisture and lack of more synoptic support for thunderstorms will keep PoPs capped below 20% through the long term period.

AVIATION

(12Z TAFS) Issued at 556 AM CDT Thu Aug 27 2026

IFR to LIFR conditions will continue for the next 2-3 hours due to locally dense fog and low ceilings that developed at both terminals. Fog will dissipate by 14-15z and VFR conditions will be the predominant flight category at each terminal through the period.

CLIMATE

Issued at 323 AM CDT Thu Aug 27 2026

Moderate Risk for Much Above Normal Temperatures:

The Climate Prediction Center has included the entire Tennessee Valley in a Moderate Risk for Much Above Normal Temperatures for September 3rd. Therefore, there is a 40-60% chance for temperatures above 95 degrees F and heat index values exceeding 105 degrees F during this period

More information on the CPC U.S. Hazards Outlook can be found at: https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/threats/threats.php

HUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

AL...Dense Fog Advisory until 9 AM CDT this morning for ALZ001>010- 016.

TN...Dense Fog Advisory until 9 AM CDT this morning for TNZ076-096- 097.