Windy, Cool April Day
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ON THE MAPS: A very deep low pressure center this morning (988 mb) is centered near the New Jersey coast, producing a late season snow storm from Western PA up into far West NY. A total of 7” of snow has been reported early this morning in the Finger Lakes region of NY in Cayuga County (north of Ithaca) and it was still snowing heavily as of 6am CDT.
THE ALABAMA STORY: We begin the day with temperatures in the 40s; the sky will be sunny today, but conditions windy and cool with temperatures struggling to reach the low 60s; that is about 15 degrees below average since we should be at 76 this time of the year (that is our average high for April 23). North winds will average 10-20 mph, with higher gusts.
COLD NIGHT: The winds will calm down tonight, and it looks like temperatures will head down toward the 40 degree mark for most places, but no doubt some of the colder valleys and protected areas, especially over Northeast Alabama, could reach the mid to upper 30s. I don’t think the wind goes entirely calm, which should prevent frost formation on a widespread basis, but there could be a touch of light frost in some of the valleys. Growers will need to keep an eye on the thermometer overnight for sure, but again I just don’t expect a widespread problem. Both the NAM and the GFS are printing a low of 41 for Birmingham early tomorrow.
RESTY OF THE WEEK: A warming trend begins tomorrow with a sunny sky and a high in the low 70s. Looks like we stay dry for rest of the week, with a high around 80 on Wednesday, followed by low 80s Thursday and Friday.
WEEKEND PEEK: Moisture levels will increase over the weekend, but it looks like Saturday will be generally dry and warm with a high in the low 80s. We might consider a small risk of a shower Saturday afternoon, but for now the risk looks very low. We will, however, forecast a chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm on Sunday with a cold front moving through the state. Doesn’t look like rain will be especially heavy, and no severe weather threat. The day will be cooler thanks to the clouds and showers Sunday with a high in the 70s.
Drier air returns Monday of next week with seasonal temperatures. See the Weather Xtreme video for all of the graphics and details.
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. We will record this week’s show tonight at 8:30 p.m. CDT.
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I will be in Tuscaloosa this morning in Alberta City at the Piggly Wiggly helping to give away free NOAA Weather Radio receivers; this is just one of many events going on this week as we approach the one year anniversary of the generational tornado outbreak of April 27, 2011. Later I will be up at Mount Olive Elementary in North Jefferson County doing a weather program; look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 3:30 or so this afternoon. Enjoy the day!
Category: Alabama's Weather
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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.Subscribe
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