Windy And Sharply Colder
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COLD AIR BLOWS IN FROM THE FROZEN TUNDRA: Strong northwest winds will usher in much colder air across the great state of Alabama tonight in the wake of morning rain and storms. Winds are averaging 15-25 mph this afternoon, with occasional gusts to 35 mph. The winds will stay up tonight and tomorrow thanks to a very deep surface low northeast of here.
We expect to drop into the 26-29 degree range early tomorrow, and you factor in the brisk winds the wind chill index will drop into the teens for a while. Tomorrow will be sunny, but windy and cold with a high in the upper 40s.
PRE-CHRISTMAS WEEKEND: We start the weekend with another freeze Saturday morning with mid 20s likely; then with a sunny sky we rise into the low 50s. Sunday will be partly sunny with an afternoon high in the upper 50s.
CHRISTMAS STORM: We actually now have some decent agreement between the two primary global computer models, giving a higher confidence forecast for next week. Let’s break it down one day at a time…
MONDAY: The day will be cloudy with developing showers across Alabama thanks to the warm advection process. The high should be in the low 60s, and rain amounts should be generally 1/2 inch or less.
CHRISTMAS DAY: Periods of rain will continue as a surface low begins to form on the Louisiana coast. We really never get in the warm sector, so while some thunder is not out of the question, severe storms are not expected. The rain should become more widespread and heavier Tuesday night as the surface low moves up into Central Alabama. We could very well see one inch of rain on Tuesday.
To the northwest, there is a very real chance of snow in the colder air Tuesday night over Arkansas, and maybe even West Tennessee. Perhaps accumulating snow.
WEDNESDAY: The surface low deepens and moves northeast, away from Alabama, pulling much colder air into the state. There is a decent chance the rain changes to light snow over about the northern third of Alabama before ending, with temperatures falling into the 30s during the day. For now, the chance of accumulating snow in Alabama looks small, but over Tennessee some snow could get on the ground Wednesday morning. The light snow will end from west to east Wednesday afternoon or Wednesday evening.
THURSDAY: Should be a cold and dry day; we start the day well down in the 20s, followed by a high in the 40s with a good supply of sunshine.
Of course, all of this is subject to change, but confidence is higher today. Take a little time and watch the Weather Xtreme video for the maps, graphics, and details.
VOODOO LAND: Nothing like a voodoo land snow storm on the GFS… on New Year’s Day. But, it is what it is… not realistic. See the Weather Xtreme video for more.
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 our Christmas week show tonight at 8:30 p.m… you can watch live here.
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I had a great time today visiting the 3rd graders at Cherokee Bend Elementary School in Mountain Brook; my last school visit for 2012! Look for them on the Pepsi KIDCAM today at 6:00 on ABC 33/40 News; the third graders from Elvin Hill in Columbiana will be on ABC 33/40 News at 5:00.
The next Weather Xtreme video will be posted here by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow….
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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