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Cool Air Settles Into Alabama

| October 1, 2015 @ 6:29 am

WELCOME TO OCTOBER: The average high for Birmingham falls from 80 degrees today to 70 degrees by October 31. It is the driest month of the year, with an average rain amount of only 3.23″.

And, right on cue, cooler air is flowing into Alabama this morning. Today will feature more clouds than sun, and a few showers could break out this afternoon, especially over North and East Alabama. The high today will be at or just over 70 degrees, about ten degrees below average.

TOMORROW/SATURDAY: The weather will be mostly cloudy and cool with highs only in the mid to upper 60s. A few periods of light rain are likely tomorrow, with the highest coverage and heavier totals over the eastern half of the state. Then, for Saturday, the sky will remain generally cloudy, and we will maintain the risk of showers, most likely over East Alabama. It won’t rain all day Saturday, and the heavier totals will be near the Georgia border. The high Saturday will be in the 67 to 70 degree range, and the best chance of seeing some sun will be over the western counties.

SUNDAY: Most of the state will be dry, although a few showers are still possible in areas south and east of Birmingham. We project a high in the low to mid 70s Sunday afternoon with a partly sunny sky.

NEXT WEEK: The GFS is now rebuilding an upper ridge, and tries to push temperatures back into the low 80s for at least the first half of the week. The weather will be rain-free most of the week with mostly sunny days and fair nights. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

FOOTBALL WEATHER: For high school games across the state tonight and tomorrow night, the sky will be mostly cloudy with some light rain possible, especially over the eastern half of the state. Temperatures will be in the 60s during the games.

Auburn hosts San Jose State Saturday at Jordan Hare Stadium (3:00p CT kickoff)… there will be cloudy periods, and we can’t rule out some light rain during the game. Expect a kickoff temperature near 69 degrees, falling into the low to mid 60s by the fourth quarter. Alabama will take on Georgia at Athens Saturday (2:30p CT kickoff); the latest data suggests that rain is now likely during this game with temperatures in the 60s. No lightning, just rain. Take the rain gear.

JOAQUIN: Computer models have been doing the hokey pokey, and forecast confidence remains rather low. One thing we know; Joaquin is a major hurricane near the Bahamas with sustained winds of 120 mph; that is category three strength. The 00Z set shifted to the right, and the GFS is trending toward the ECMWF (European) model solution, which has consistently kept the system well offshore, moving it out to sea. The guys at NHC have shifted their track to the right in response to this…

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While the direct impact on the U.S. East Coast remains uncertain, it is important to note that heavy rain and flooding will be an issue one way or another due to the pattern setting up. Parts of the Carolinas could see over one foot of rain over the next five days…

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See the video for more thoughts on the tropical situation.

We note the “ghost of Ida”… which is east of Joaquin, has a decent chance of becoming a depression or storm over the Atlantic, but this will likely remain out at sea.

GULF COAST WEATHER: Looks good… mostly sunny days and fair nights through early next week from Gulf Shores over to Panama City Beach… just a few widely scattered showers possible today and tomorrow over the Florida Panhandle. Highs drop into the 70s… See the complete Gulf Coast 7 Day Planner here. The Gulf Coast Beach Forecast is presented by Gulf Shores Plantation by Mandoki Hospitality Vacation Rentals. Escape to Gulf Shores Plantation where memories last a lifetime.

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 have a weather program this morning at The Westminster School at Oak Mountain… and we will be at Argo Pharmacy and Gifts on US 11 in Trussville this afternoon from 3:30 until 6:30 p.m. programming weather radio receivers. Need help? Come see us. Look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 4:00 this afternoon… enjoy the day!

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Category: Alabama's Weather

About the Author ()

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.

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