Evan Chickvara

Birmingham

Meteorologist at Sinclair Broadcast Group

Weekday Morning Meteorologist at WBMA-TV (Birmingham, AL)

Meteorologist Mississippi State Alumni Husband, Father Lauren, Harper, Adam. Co-Host of Weather Wise Guys Podcast

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Articles

Summer Solstice Explained: Why June 20 Marks the Longest but Not Hottest Day of the Year

1 week ago | abc3340.com | Evan Chickvara

The summer solstice occurs precisely at 9:42 PM CDT on June 20. Across the Northern Hemisphere, this day marks the longest stretch of daylight for the year. In Birmingham, that means 14 hours and 22 minutes of sunlight. Daylight duration increases with latitude, reaching a full 24 hours inside the Arctic Circle. In these northern regions, the midnight sun remains visible for 10 to 12 consecutive days. At the North Pole itself, the sun won’t set again until the autumnal equinox on September 22.
When Downdrafts become Destructive: The Science behind a Microburst

3 weeks ago | abc3340.com | Evan Chickvara

Thunderstorms are a staple of the Alabama summer, most are short-lived, isolated, and low-impact. However, in the right environment, that afternoon pop-up can turn destructive. A downburst is a powerful, concentrated area of wind that moves vertically downward from a thunderstorm to the surface. Upon contact with the surface, winds are forced outward in all directions, creating potentially destructive straight-line winds that can reach 100 mph in extreme cases.
Memorial Day Thunderstorms Hold Off Until Afternoon

1 month ago | abc3340.com | Evan Chickvara

Good morning! The rain has finished for now, and we can expect several hours without precipitation, along with some sunshine. However, storms are likely after 4 PM, similar to the pattern we experienced on Sunday night, moving from west to east this evening. Although most storms should remain below severe limits, gusty winds, hail, and lightning are possible.
Clear Skies, Hidden Threats: The Science Behind "Bolts from the Blue"

1 month ago | abc3340.com | Evan Chickvara

As we approach the start of summer here in Alabama, we can expect the arrival of thunderstorms. In just a few short weeks, kids will be out of school, spending their time playing, swimming, and enjoying cookouts—lots of fun outdoor activities! However, it’s important to stay safe when these afternoon thunderstorms roll in. One common misconception is that if it’s not raining or storming in your immediate area, you’re safe from lightning.
Meteor Shower Tonight! How to see the Eta Aquariids in the Alabama Sky.

1 month ago | abc3340.com | Evan Chickvara

Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight, Tuesday morning!Catch the peak of the Eta Aquariids early Tuesday from 2–5 a.m.The moon sets around 3 a.m., so the best viewing is after that until dawn. Look low in the eastern sky; expect 10–20 meteors per hour, skies should be mostly clear and ideal for viewing. The shower comes from Halley’s Comet debris, which Earth crosses each year from late April to May.
Final Alabama Freeze?

Mar 18, 2025 | abc3340.com | Evan Chickvara

TOPICS:AlabamaFreezeTemperaturesSpringMarchBirminghamAprilFrostWe've had our fair share of warm afternoons following an, at times, frigid winter. Temperature trends across Alabama have trended much warmer since the record setting lows and snows of January, but are we in the clear of freezing temperatures? By the numbers, southern Alabama historically sees it's last freeze of the season in late February to early March.
At least six tornadoes confirmed on radar, NWS surveys to confirm

Mar 16, 2025 | abc3340.com | Evan Chickvara

On Saturday, 22 tornado warnings were issued for the Birmingham area, marking the highest single-day occurrence since March 17-18, 2021. Much of central Alabama was under a High Risk (level 5/5) designation from the Storm Prediction Center (SPC), similar to the event in 2021. Of the 22 tornado warnings issued, at least six evolved into radar-confirmed tornadoes via tornado debris signatures (TDS).
The Weather Authority: 80 Degree Days!

Mar 11, 2025 | abc3340.com | Evan Chickvara

As we move into mid-March, a hint of spring is in the air. Much of the state has consistently experienced highs in the 70s, with some areas in central and southern Alabama reaching the 80s. Several notable cities in Alabama have already reached temperatures of 80 degrees in 2025.
The Weather Authority: Air Quality Alert- Code Red

Mar 10, 2025 | abc3340.com | Evan Chickvara

A Code Red Air Quality Alert in effect for Jefferson and Shelby Counties Tuesday due to unhealthy levels of particulate matter in the air. Conditions are expected to range from moderate to unhealthy today. Screenshot 2025-03-11 022212.pngKey Recommendations according to the Jefferson County Department of Health:Limit outdoor activity: If possible, stay indoors to avoid exposure to harmful particles. If you must go outside, avoid strenuous activity and stay away from busy roads.
Relief on the way? Alabama battles decades high fire season, 599 blazes since January 1st

Mar 7, 2025 | abc3340.com | Evan Chickvara

Wildfires have become a major issue for many Alabamians in recent weeks. A combination of dry conditions and ongoing drought have kept both the Alabama Forestry Commission and local fire municipalities very busy. Before Tuesday's storm system, the Alabama Forestry Commission reported 181 active fires across the state. Remarkably, that was just on Tuesday alone! Let’s break it down by the numbers:Since January 1st, Alabama has seen 599 fires that have burned 13,172 acres.