Gray, Cold Weather Continues

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THIS IS MARCH??? Some observations right before daybreak across the great state of Alabama this morning…

Haleyville 21
Cullman 23
Decatur 24
Birmingham 27
Fayette 28
Tuscaloosa 30
Anniston 32

Some North Alabama communities have been below freezing for more than 24 consecutive hours. Keep in mind our average high for March 4 is 63, and the average low is 40.

THE DAY AHEAD: Clouds will hang tough across Alabama today, but it won’t be a cold as yesterday as we should reach the 40s this afternoon. To the west, we are watching with interest a large mass of precipitation over Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana; some serious freezing rain problems/icing issues have developed around Houston this morning.

MORE RAIN FOR PARTS OF ALABAMA: That rain mass will move into South Alabama later today and tonight, and some light rain is possible as far north as I-20 (Tuscaloosa to Birmingham to Anniston). The latest high resolution NAM hints the rain could even linger into tomorrow morning, and we will amend the forecast to include that possibility. The best chance of rain for the I-20 corridor will come from 7:00 p.m. today through 11:00 a.m. tomorrow; rain amounts around here will be rather light and spotty, with the more significant totals over South Alabama. Little if any rain will fall north of I-20.

The sun could break out a bit tomorrow afternoon; the high will be in the 56-60 degree range.

THURSDAY: Another wave in the southern branch of the jet stream will dig into Alabama with clouds and a chance of some rain statewide. I don’t think the rain will be too heavy, and it won’t be continuous, but we will mention periods of rain during the day and into Thursday night. It will be a cloudy and rather chilly day; not totally sure we get out of the 40s with potential for dynamic cooling.

FRIDAY/SATURDAY: Confidence is high these two days will be very nice, with ample sunshine and a nice warming trend. We reach the 60s Friday afternoon, and the latest GFS is printing a high of 72 at Birmingham Saturday afternoon.

SUNDAY AND EARLY NEXT WEEK: Forecast confidence drops off as we have model inconsistency as they struggle to keep up with the active flow pattern across North America. A surface front could kick off a shower or two Sunday, but models continue to trend drier. It could be the next really signifiant rain event holds off until around Tuesday of next week (March 11). See the Weather Xtreme video for the maps, graphics, and details.

SPOTTER TRAINING: Don’t forget, we are offering the basic storm spotting class tomorrow evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Center (Storm Alert Xtreme). We need more trained weather spotters, and we want you to join us! No need to register, no cost… just show up!

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 for the new episode we recorded last night.

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I will be doing a weather program today at Vincent Elementary in Shelby County… and tonight I will be doing a weather safety program at West Jefferson between our 6:00 and 10:00 newscasts. Look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 4:00 this afternoon… enjoy the day!

Tags: cold

Category: Alabama's Weather