Rain At Times, Then Much Colder

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RADAR CHECK: There is actually a good bit of rain on radar this morning over North Alabama, generally north of U.S. 278 (Hamilton to Cullman to Gadsden). The rain is moving to the east/southeast, and we will mention the risk of some rain at times today statewide. The sky will be cloudy, and today’s high will be in the 50s due to the clouds and rain.

Rain becomes more widespread late tonight; rain amounts of 1/2 inch are likely over the northern half of the state, with potential for one inch over the southern counties of Alabama.

SNOW FLAKES EARLY TOMORROW? Not much change in the overall thinking. There seems to be a small window when the rain could change to light snow over North Alabama before ending early tomorrow morning.

Odds of significant accumulation continue to look very small; soil temperatures are warm (low 50s), and the deeper moisture exits as the cold air arrives. But, no doubt a few snow flakes are very possible around daybreak. We will take another look at model data later today, but for now no sign of any serious societal impact.

COLD AIR RETURNS: We will have a hard time getting out of the 30s tomorrow. The sky will be cloudy through the day, and a north breeze of 10-20 mph will make it feel colder. Rain will continue during the day over the southern half of the state.

Look for clearing tomorrow night, and we project a low near 20 degrees early Thursday morning, but the colder pockets over North Alabama should visit the mid to upper teens. That will be quite a slap in the face after the recent mild spell.

FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: Friday will be a sunny day; we begin the day in the 20s, but the high will be in the mid to upper 50s. The warming trend continues into the weekend with a high Saturday in the low to mid 60s, followed by 70 degree warmth Sunday afternoon.

A short wave could bring a little scattered light rain to Alabama Friday night or Saturday, but at this point the moisture looks very shallow, and rain amounts should be very light and spotty. Much of the day Saturday should be dry, although the sky will be generally cloudy. Sunday looks rain-free with a mix of sun and clouds.

NEXT WEEK: A cold front will bring a chance of showers and thunderstorms Monday; for now the severe weather risk looks rather low. Then, much colder air moves back in here on Tuesday, and sticks around through mid-week. It can get pretty cold around here in March, you know. Take some time to see the Weather Xtreme video for the maps, graphics, and details.

STORM ALERT 2014 IN CALERA TONIGHT: Our annual severe weather awareness show continues this week… we will be at Calera High School tonight, and Oxford High School Thursday night. The shows begin at 6:30; doors open at 5:00. Come meet the ABC 33/40 Weather Team, get some cool free stuff, see some great weather stories, and learn how to keep your family safe during the tornado season. Keep in mind the spring tornado season begins in just a few days (March, April, May). Hope to see you there.

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. Scroll down for the show notes on the new episode we recorded last night.

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Busy day ahead… I am doing a weather program this morning at Matthews Elementary School in Northport, then I will be speaking to a business group at Vestavia Hills Country Club. Then, on to Calera High School for tonight’s Storm Alert 2014. Will do my best to generate a new Weather Xtreme video this afternoon by 4:00 p.m… enjoy the day!

Tags: rain

Category: Alabama's Weather