Rain Returns Overnight

The weather maps show a complex situation this morning with a weak upper level trough approaching the area and Hurricane Ida in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Over the course of the day, these two systems will start to become intertwined. One fly in the ointment is that no model is picking up on the showers around the Jackson area that are associated with the upper level disturbance. I think it's possible this disturbance could generate a few light showers across our area this afternoon. Regardless of whether it rains, skies will be mostly cloudy throughout the day due to cirrus blow off from Ida, and highs should be able to top out near 68 this afternoon. An area of high pressure near the eastern shore of Virginia and Hurricane Ida will produce a strong pressure gradient, which will result in breezy conditions today. Some wind gusts could approach 15 mph this afternoon.

The forecast overnight is the tricky part. Ida should be approaching the Alabama/Florida coasts by sunrise tomorrow morning. On this path, the heaviest of rains will be remain to our south and east, but some rain from Ida will still work its way into the area after midnight. Winds will be even more breezy overnight than during the day with gusts up to 20 mph. Lows tomorrow morning will be near 56.

If Ida takes the track I expect or goes slightly further east, we'll get lucky with this system with only minimal rain amounts. However, if Ida shifts its track slightly westward, we'll be dealing with some heavy rain. If any changes occur, I'll update the forecast as needed.