Very Active Weather West Of Alabama

ON THE MAPS: A very deep upper trough is lifting out of the western U.S. today, bringing a variety of inclement weather to the nation’s mid-section, down into Texas. Blizzard warnings remain in effect from near Denver to Goodland, KS… and in the warm sector of the storm severe weather will be an issue for parts of Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi over the next 18 hours…

As you can see, there is a “marginal” severe weather risk for far Southwest Alabama late tonight (after midnight), and we will keep a close eye on storms west of our state as they approach. But, for us, today will be generally dry, breezy, and mild with more clouds than sun and a high up in the low 70s. The average high for November 17 (for Birmingham) is 64.

TONIGHT/TOMORROW: As the pressure gradient tightens across the state tonight, south winds will increase, averaging 15-25 mph with gusts to 30. A few showers are possible, but the main band of rain and storms won’t push into West Alabama until early tomorrow morning, in the 4:00-6:00 a.m. time frame. A soaking rain is likely statewide tomorrow, but the air over North Alabama will be stable, and severe storms are not expected. To the south, there is a “marginal” severe weather risk for about the southern quarter of the state, south of a line from Thomasville to Evergreen to Eufaula. The main threat there will come from gusty thunderstorm winds.

Rain amounts tomorrow will be in the two inch range for most of the state; not enough for major flooding problems (although some localized issues are possible). Temperatures will fall slowly through the 60s tomorrow, and the rain ends tomorrow night.

THURSDAY/FRIDAY: These two days will be dry and pleasant, with a good supply of sunshine and highs in the mid 60s. Early morning lows will be in the 40s.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: A cold front will pass through the state in dry fashion Saturday, but to the north that would bring a few snow showers to the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee and western North Carolina. The high for us Saturday will be in the low 60s, and by Sunday morning we will drop to near 30 degrees as cold air settles into the state. Sunday will feature a good supply of sunshine, but the day will be pretty chilly with a high only at 50 degrees.

THANKSGIVING WEEK: Looking mostly dry, with cool afternoons and cold nights. The GFS is printing a low of 28 for Birmingham early Monday; that should be the coldest morning. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

FOOTBALL WEATHER: Alabama hosts Charleston Southern Saturday (3:00p CT kickoff) at Bryant-Denny Stadium; the sky will be mostly fair with temperatures falling from around 60 degrees at the start of the game, into the low 50s by the final whistle.

Auburn will host Idaho at Jordan-Hare Stadium Saturday (also kicking off at 3:00 CT)… a fair sky with 60 degrees at kickoff, and temperatures close to 50 degrees by the end of the game.

AT THE BEACH: Generally dry today with a high in the 70s… rain and strong storms are likely tomorrow, then expect mostly sunny days and fair nights Thursday through the weekend. 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. Scroll down for the show notes on the new episode we recorded last night.

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I will be speaking to a senior adult luncheon today at First Baptist Church of Alabaster… look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 4:00 this afternoon. Enjoy the day!

Tags: ANC, mild

Category: Alabama's Weather