Showers/Storms, Then Colder
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BIG CHANGES AHEAD: Birmingham’s official high yesterday was 88 degrees, eight degrees above the average high of 80 for October 1. Today’s weather will be very warm again with upper 80s likely, but a cold front will bring some very significant weather changes over the next 48 hours.
A few scattered showers and storms are possible this afternoon, especially west of I-65, as low level moisture returns. Scattered showers are possible tonight, but the most organized shower and thunderstorm activity will come well after midnight as the cold front to the west approaches.
TO THE WEST: There is a rather large “slight risk” of severe weather later today and tonight from the Texas Hill Country to near Chicago…
Storms in this zone later today could produce some hail, strong winds, and maybe even an isolated tornado. But, the storms will weaken as they move into Alabama late tonight and early tomorrow.
There is certainly a chance of a few strong storms over Alabama tomorrow, especially over the northern third of the state with surface based CAPE values exceeding 1,500 j/kg in spots. However, shear values are low and wind fields are not especially strong, and there is no formal severe weather risk defined for our state by SPC. The bottom line is that organized severe weather is not expected around here.
TIMING: The main window for the organized showers and storms will come from about 3:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. tomorrow. A pretty good chance the rain will over in time for the high football games tomorrow night.
COOL WEEKEND: Saturday will be a breezy and very cool day as the coolest air so far this season blows into Alabama with brisk north winds of 15-25 mph. We start the day down in the mid 40s early Saturday, and the high will be only in the mid 60s. The coldest morning should come early Sunday with most communities seeing a low between 38 and 43 degrees. Then, Sunday afternoon we climb into the 70s. Look for a cobalt blue sky both days.
FOOTBALL WEATHER: Scattered showers are possible for high school football games across North/Central Alabama tonight with temperatures in the 70s. Showers and storms tomorrow should end by kickoff time for most stadiums across North and Central Alabama, the evening will be breezy and much cooler with temperatures falling through the 60s, reaching the 50s by the fourth quarter at many stadiums. You will need a light jacket or sweater.
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 68 degrees at kickoff with low humidity and a pleasant north breeze. Temperatures will fall to near 60 degrees 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 low 50s by the second half. Zero chance of rain. A jacket will be in order.
UAB plays at Western Kentucky Saturday evening (6:00p kickoff)… it will be a clear, cool night in Bowling Green with 55 degrees at kickoff, then about 45 degrees by the fourth quarter.
GULF COAST WEATHER: Partly sunny and warm today along the coast with some risk of a shower late this afternoon; a better chance of showers and storms tomorrow from Panama City over to Gulf Shores. Then, a glorious weekend with sunny days and fair nights; highs will be in the 70s Saturday and Sunday with a cloudless sky.
TROPICS: All remains quiet across the Atlantic basin and tropical storm formation is not expected anytime soon.
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 doing a weather program today at Good Hope Elementary School in Cullman County… and this evening I will be live on ABC 33/40 from Marvel Universe LIVE! at the BJCC Arena in downtown Birmingham. Look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 4:00 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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