Cold Front Getting Closer
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RADAR CHECK: Showers and a few strong storms have fired up over parts of West-Central Alabama this afternoon… they are moving northeast and some of the heavier storms are producing lots of lightning and gusty winds. The chance of scattered showers and storms will continue through tonight over all of Alabama.
TO THE WEST: Severe thunderstorm watches cover the region from Central Texas to southern Illinois ahead of a deep upper trough moving out into the Great Plains, and the attendant surface cold front. These storms will move into out state after midnight tonight, and SPC has pulled the “slight risk” of severe weather down into North and West Alabama, for areas generally along and north of I-59…
This is a somewhat marginal risk, but a few storms between midnight and 6:00 a.m. could produce strong gusty winds and hail. And, as we always caution, when it comes to thunderstorms, expect the unexpected.
The storms will end from northwest to southeast during the midday hours tomorrow as the front pushes deeper into Alabama. I figure most places will see around 1/2 inch of rain, but a few spots could see over one inch where the heavier storms develop.
The sky becomes clear tomorrow night with gusty north winds and falling temperatures; we wind up in the 40-45 degree range early Saturday morning as the weekend begins as the coolest air so far this season moves into our state.
COOL WEEKEND: Saturday will feature a brilliantly sunny sky, but the day will be cool and breezy with north winds of 12-22 mph. The coldest morning will come early Sunday, with lows of 38 to 42 degrees should be common. Then, Sunday will be a sunny day with a high in the low to mid 70s.
The last time Birmingham had a low in the 30s was back on April 16, when the low was 32 degrees.
NEXT WEEK: The week looks generally dry and pleasant, but we will introduce the risk of a few showers on Tuesday as a lobe of energy comes down the back side of the upper trough over the eastern U.S. Rain should be pretty light. See the Weather Xtreme video for the maps, graphics, and more details.
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: A few showers and storms are likely 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.
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I enjoyed seeing the 5th graders today at Good Hope Elementary School in Cullman County… be looking for them on the Pepsi KIDCAM today at 5:00 on ABC 33/40 News! 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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