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Big Warm-Up Today; Weekend Chill

| November 17, 2016 @ 6:19 am

ACTIVE WEATHER: The advertised “pattern flip” of mid-November will bring lots of changes and interesting weather to Alabama for the rest of the month. On the positive side, we have three opportunities for rain for our state over the next ten days.

And, goodness, do we need it. Today is the 60th consecutive day without measurable rain for Birmingham (based on data from the airport, where records are kept). The last measurable rain was on September 18 with 0.32?. The last time we had over one inch in a 24 hour period came on July 30, when the total was 1.33?.

Since the first of October, a total of 1,721 wildfires have destroyed over 20,000 acres of land in Alabama, and a drought emergency continues. No outdoor burning, and we all need to conserve water.

BIG WARM-UP TODAY: We are starting the day in the chilly 30s and 40s across North/Central Alabama, but with an upper ridge (short wave ridge), a strong November sun, and no soil moisture, temperatures will zoom to near 80 degrees this afternoon. This is very close to the record high for today, 82 set in 1958.

FRIDAY NIGHT FRONT: Tomorrow will be another warm, dry day with a high near 80, but a cold front will push a band of showers into our state tomorrow night; that rain could enter Northwest Alabama sometime between 10:00 p.m. and midnight. The showers will push on through during the pre-dawn hours Saturday, but with limited moisture and the main dynamic support well to the north, this won’t be a big rain event. Rain amounts will be generally under 0.10″, and the southern quarter of Alabama won’t get a drop.

The showers should be out of the state by 6:00 a.m. Saturday.

CHILLY WEEKEND: The coldest air so far this season blows into Alabama for the weekend. The sky becomes sunny Saturday, but the day will be windy and very cool with a high only in the mid 50s. A northwest wind of 15-25 mph will make it feel colder. We will be very close to freezing early Sunday… then during the day Sunday the sky will be sunny with a high in the 50s.

The coldest morning will come early Monday, with a clear sky and light wind; most North/Central Alabama communities will see a low in the 28-32 degree range, effectively ending the 2016 growing season.

THANKSGIVING WEEK: Our second opportunity for rain will come right before Thanksgiving; global models advertise a system that will impact Alabama late Wednesday and Wednesday night with a chance of showers. No severe weather, and probably no thunder. Latest guidance suggests about a quarter of an inch of rain with this feature. Again, no drought buster, but it will be just good to get a little water in the parched soil.

ecmwf_slp_precip_ky_29

For now Thanksgiving day looks dry and pleasant, with a high in the 60s.

And, our third rain event over the next ten days, according to the GFS model, will come on Saturday, November 26, which is Iron Bowl Saturday. But, understand this is pure voodoo for now, but the pattern does support it. Timing could, and probably will change. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

AT THE BEACH: Sunny days, fair nights through the weekend from Gulf Shores to Panama City Beach. Highs in the 70s today and tomorrow, then in the 60s over the weekend. See a very detailed Gulf Coast forecast here.

TROPICS: The disturbance over the Southwest Caribbean is still disorganized, and odds of development are lower now.

WEATHER BRAINS: Don’t forget you can listen to our weekly 90 minute netcast anytime on the web, or on iTunes. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including our meteorologists here at ABC 33/40.

CONNECT: You can find me on all of the major social networks…

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I will be speaking to the monthly meeting of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce today… be looking for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 4:00 this afternoon… enjoy the day!

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Category: Alabama's Weather

About the Author ()

James Spann is one of the most recognized and trusted television meteorologists in the industry. He holds the AMS CCM designation and television seals from the AMS and NWA. He is a past winner of the Broadcast Meteorologist of the Year from both professional organizations.

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