Developing Gulf System Raises Game Day Weather Concerns in Alabama

All eyes are on the Southwestern Gulf as a surface trough of low pressure has developed along the coast of Mexico, catching our attention for several reasons. It’s been a somewhat quiet hurricane season for our area, and it raises concerns for football games across the southern region.

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The National Hurricane Center said, “Although environmental conditions appear to be marginally conducive, gradual development is becoming more likely, and a tropical depression is likely to form during the middle or latter portion of the week.”

Where is the System Headed?

Early tracking suggests the system will drift eastward over the coming days and eventually turn northward.

Formation Chances from National Hurricane Center

Formation chance through 48 hours...low...30 percent.

Formation chance through 7 days...high...70 percent.

James Spann, Alabama Weather Network Chief Meteorologist, said, “This feature has potential to bring lots of rain to the Deep South this weekend. But with any tropical system in the early stages, there is great uncertainty. The amount of rain we see, placement, and timing will all depend on how the tropical low develops.”

The Weather Channel said they will be “closely watching areas from southern Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle for potential impacts.”

As the week progresses, we will have a better idea of the potential impacts along Alabama’s coastline, across the state, and what conditions could look like for Saturday’s game day across the region.

What the Townsquare Media Weather Center is Watching

• Rainfall Amount: How much rain we receive
• Placement: Where the heaviest rain develops
• Timing: When the rain moves through
• Evolution: How this system develops over the coming days
• Gameday: How this weather system could impact gameday across Alabama

Mary K. – Weather Forecaster