Arctic Cold Arrives Tomorrow

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AT DAYBREAK: It is a clear and cold January morning across the great state of Alabama, with temperatures generally in the mid to upper 20s. This will be our “warmest” day of the week as we are predicting a high in the low 50s this afternoon with a mostly sunny sky.

INTO THE DEEP FREEZE: Strong north winds will develop tomorrow, averaging 15-30 mph, ushering in the coldest air so far this season. The high tomorrow will be in the mid to upper 30s, but the wind chill index will remain below freezing most of the day. Some scattered clouds will accompany the cold air, but the low levels will be very dry. A few snow flurries could be found over Tennessee, and maybe far North Alabama, but not down our way.

The wind chill index will drop to near zero tomorrow night as far south as I-20, with sub-zero wind chills for the Tennessee Valley.

THURSDAY MORNING: No change in our forecast; most North/Central Alabama communities will see a low between 10 and 15 degrees, with single digits likely for many places north of Birmingham. We stay below freezing all day Thursday, but at least the sky will be sunny, and the wind will be much lighter.

Friday morning will be cold as well with lows down in the teens.

LONG SUB-FREEZING PERIOD: For places like Birmingham, Anniston, Gadsden, and Tuscaloosa, we expect about 38 consecutive hours of sub-freezing temperatures from tomorrow evening through Friday morning. But, to the north, Huntsville and Muscle Shoals will be below freezing for 54-60 consecutive hours (from tonight through Friday morning).

I don’t like to insult your intelligence with “cold tips”, but if you happen to know an elderly person that might not have adequate heating, be sure and check on them. And, of course, bring in the dogs, cats, and husbands.

Friday will be a partly sunny day with a high at or just over 40.

SOME FREEZING RAIN OVER NORTH ALABAMA EARLY SUNDAY? Saturday still looks dry; we start the day with a low in the 16-22 degree range, followed by a high in the low 40s. Then, temperatures will drop below freezing late Saturday night over about the northern third of the state.

Short wave energy will bring some light rain into the state in the midnight to 6:00 a.m. time frame, and with sub-freezing temperatures that certainly opens the door for some freezing rain over North Alabama (rain falling in liquid form with surface temperatures below freezing).

Precipitation should be light, and temperatures warm above freezing by mid-morning, so at this time it doesn’t look like a high impact event. But we are five days away, and as always this could change, so sometime to watch closely through the rest of the week.

A cold rain will fall at times through the day Sunday with a high in the low 40s.

NEXT WEEK: A lingering shower or two is possible Monday, especially south of Birmingham, and then mid-week looks dry with seasonal temperatures; highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s. Take some time to watch the Weather Xtreme video for the maps, graphics, and more details.

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Tags: sunny

Category: Alabama's Weather