Dry December Weather

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AT DAYBREAK: The sky is mostly cloudy across Alabama this morning with temperatures generally in the 40s. The clouds are being produced by a short wave approaching the state from the west, but the low levels are dry, and we don’t expect any rain today. The high this afternoon will be in the mid to upper 50s for most communities, very close to the average high of 58 for December 8 (based on data from Birmingham). The sun should break out at times.

MID-WEEK: A stiff north breeze will develop over the state tomorrow, and the day will be cooler with a high in the low 50s. North winds will average 10-20 mph, making it feel colder, but the sky should be bright and sunny. Cool, dry weather will continue; we project a light freeze early Wednesday and Thursday morning, with most places seeing a low between 28 and 32 degrees. The coldest day will be Wednesday, with a high between 48 and 51 degrees.

FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: The weather stays dry with just a slow warming trend. Sunny days, fair nights, and a high in the low 60s by Saturday and Sunday afternoon, just a little above average for mid-December in Alabama.

NEXT WEEK AND BEYOND: The 00Z GFS hints our next chance of rain will come around Tuesday, December 16 thanks to an upper low developing to the west. And, still no sign of any extremely cold Arctic air through Christmas as the AO (Arctic Oscillation)/NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation) combo remains unfavorable. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

QUIET TORNADO SEASON: We are in the core of our late fall tornado season in Alabama, and it has been very quiet. We had a few small tornadoes over the southern half of the state reported November 17 and November 23, but no tornadoes have occurred over North Alabama so far, and we see no significant severe weather setup for at least the next 10-15 days.

MOON DOG: Bill Murray posted about the great sky optics over Alabama yesterday, with sun dogs, 22 degree halos, and upper tangent arcs seen by many thanks to the layer of cirrostratus clouds (ice crystals) in place. But, did you know we can also have “moon dogs”? This image was taken last night by Cynthia Fletcher…

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. We will produce this week’s show tonight at 8:30 CT… you can watch it on “James Spann 24/7” on cable systems around the state, or on the web here.

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I have a weather program this morning at Edgewood Elementary School in Homewood… look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 4:00 this afternoon. Enjoy the day!

Tags: dry

Category: Alabama's Weather