03/31 Ryan’s “First Quarter” Friday Forecast

The first quarter of 2017 has come to an end and it couldn’t have ended on more beautiful terms. This afternoon’s clear skies will carry over into the night, allowing for radiational cooling and eventually patchy morning fog. This fog will be thicker near local river banks and the Sound, otherwise shouldn’t be too dense or widespread elsewhere. Skies remain clear tomorrow as well with even more sun and temperatures in the mid 80s. Since rain moves in as early as Sunday night, tomorrow would be a good day to go out and enjoy one of the many outdoor activities available tomorrow (Bicentennial celebrations, MS Gulf Resort Classic), just be sure to hydrate and limit long term sun exposure without protection.

Sunday is when things will begin to change. Much of the day will be slightly more cloudy and cooler, but rain will begin moving in late in the evening, and we’re currently under a “marginal” threat (level 1 of 5) for severe weather. Right now, the chance of wind/hail/tornadoes is low, but these storms are setting up to be very efficient rain producers. Yesterday, computer models were predicting rain totals as high as 10″ over a 12 hour period in localized areas, but recent runs have moderated some and totals are now closer to 3-6″. I’ll be in studio on Sunday night before the system moves in, and will update with the latest information. Otherwise, skies will begin clearing as early as Monday night, with warm, humid, and sunny conditions lingering through the weekend.