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Severe Weather Threat Wednesday

| February 27, 2017 @ 6:40 am

RADAR CHECK: We have patches of rain over North/Central Alabama early this morning as an active pattern begins across the Deep South.

The air over the northern half of the state will be stable today, and the only part of Alabama with a risk of strong storms will come over the southwest counties, where SPC has a “marginal” severe weather threat defined. This is south of a northward moving warm front, that will bring a pretty sharp thermal gradient today. South Alabama should see highs in the 70s, but many North Alabama communities will have a hard time getting out of the 50s north of the front with clouds and periods of rain.

TOMORROW: A few showers and storms are possible across Alabama tomorrow as temperatures rise into the 70s and the air becomes unstable, but the activity will be pretty scattered, and it certainly won’t rain all day. The main action will be west of the state tomorrow; there is an “enhanced” risk of severe storms over parts of Arkansas, Southern Missouri, and some of the adjacent states.

SEVERE WEATHER THREAT WEDNESDAY: Much of North/Central Alabama is in an “enhanced” severe weather risk Wednesday… with the standard “slight” risk down to Grove Hill, Greenville, Troy, and Eufaula. Far South Alabama is under a “marginal” risk Wednesday.

A surface low will pass well to the north of Alabama Wednesday, with the trailing cold front pushing through the state during the afternoon and evening hours. A decent low level jet will set up (over 50 knots about 5,000 feet off the ground), and with an unstable airmass and strong wind fields, strong to severe storms will likely impact our state.

TIMING: The main window for severe storms will come from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday.

THREATS: The primary issue will be strong, potentially damaging straight line winds with a line of storms along the front. However, an isolated tornado or two can’t be ruled out, especially with any storms that form ahead of the main squall line. Hail is also possible Wednesday.

RAIN: Rain should be in the 3/4″ to 1″ range Wednesday, and flooding is not expected.

We will keep a close eye on model data; keep an eye on the blog for updated forecast information concerning the severe weather threat Wednesday.

THURSDAY/FRIDAY: These two days will be dry, with ample sunshine, cool days, and chilly nights. The high Thursday will be in the low 60s, followed by upper 50s Friday. Many places will see a light freeze early Friday morning.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: The weather stays dry with a low warming trend. After lows in the 28-33 degree range early Saturday, we project a high in the low 60s Saturday, followed by upper 60s Sunday. The sky will stay mostly sunny both days.

NEXT WEEK: Moisture returns early in the week along with a chance of showers Monday and Tuesday, then more cool air flows in for the latter half of the week with potential for sub-freezing temperatures by Thursday morning. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

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Look 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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