Big Cool Down This Weekend
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WARM DAY AS OCTOBER BEGINS: We project a high in the upper 80s today, well above our average high of 80 for the first of October (based on data for Birmingham). The sky will be partly to mostly sunny, and there is no significant chance of rain. Tomorrow will be just a warm, with a high between 87 and 90 degrees. The day tomorrow will feature a mix of sun and clouds, and with low level moisture levels rising, an afternoon shower or storm is possible, especially over Northwest Alabama.
TO THE WEST: There is a large “slight risk” of severe weather from the Texas Hill Country to near Chicago tomorrow ahead of a deep upper trough and cold front…
FRIDAY FRONT: An organized band of showers and storms will move into Alabama after midnight tomorrow night ahead of the cold front, but the good news is that organized severe weather is not expected in our state Friday, and SPC does not have any risk for us in their “day three” convective outlook.
The main window for showers and storms will come from roughly 3:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Friday. Surface based CAPE values (instability) will rise to well over 1,000 j/kg, so a few strong storms are certainly possible, and rain amounts of 1/2 to 3/4″ can be expected. A few spots could see totals over one inch where heavier storms form.
A CHILL IN THE AIR THIS WEEKEND: The coolest air so far this season blows into Alabama Saturday with a brisk north wind. Guidance continues to come in cooler; we won’t get past the mid 60s Saturday afternoon with a north wind of 10-20 mph, and Sunday morning we are now projecting lows in the 39-44 degree range for most of North/Central Alabama. You will need to dig out those jackets for the first time in a while. The air will be very dry, and the sky will be cobalt blue Saturday and Sunday.
FOOTBALL WEATHER: Scattered showers are possible for high school football games across North/Central Alabama tomorrow evening with temperatures in the 70s; highest risk of a shower will be over the northwest part of the state. Showers and storms Friday should end by kickoff time Friday evening for most stadiums across North and Central Alabama; temperatures will fall into the 60s during the games Friday night… maybe even 50s by the second half. Some will need a jacket.
Saturday, Alabama travels to Ole Miss for a game that kicks off at 2:30 in Oxford. The weather could not be better. Total sunshine, about 70 degrees at kickoff with low humidity and a pleasant north breeze. Temperatures will fall into the low to mid 60s by the final whistle.
Auburn hosts LSU Saturday evening (6:00p kickoff) at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Again, a perfect night for football. A clear sky; 60 degrees at kickoff, with 50s by the second half. Zero chance of rain.
UAB plays at Western Kentucky Saturday evening (6:00p kickoff)… it will be a clear, cool night in Bowling Green with 56 degrees at kickoff, then about 48 degrees by the fourth quarter. You will need a jacket.
GULF COAST WEATHER: Mostly sunny and warm tomorrow from Panama City over to Gulf Shores with highs in the 80s. An afternoon shower is possible tomorrow, followed by a better coverage of showers and storms Friday. The weekend will be beautiful with sunshine in full supply and a high in the 70s.
NEXT WEEK: Alabama’s weather looks dry and pleasant for much of the week; see the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.
TROPICS: All is quiet across the Atlantic basin and tropical storm formation is not expected this week.
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.
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I will be speaking this morning at the University of Montevallo; look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 4:00 this afternoon. Enjoy the day!
Category: Alabama's Weather
About the Author (Author Profile)
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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