CLOUDS MOVING IN: Clouds have been increasing across Alabama today ahead of a weather system west of the state; temperatures are mostly in the 40s over North Alabama, with 50s to the south. Clouds will continue to thicken tonight, and some rain could reach West Alabama by tomorrow morning.
Skies across much of Central Alabama are partly to mostly cloudy while some sunshine is reaching the surface in parts of the area. With the clouds, temperatures have been held back a couple of degrees at the noon hour.
The good news is that a warming trend begins this afternoon; temperatures will rise into the low 50s this afternoon with a partly sunny sky. Clouds will move into the state tonight ahead of the next system to the west.
CLOUDLESS SKY: All 67 Alabama counties are completely cloud-free this afternoon as a cold, dry airmass stays in place. Temperatures are only in the mid 30s over North Alabama, with low 40s to the south. These values are about 20 degrees below average for late January in Alabama. Tonight will be clear and very cold; most places will see a low between 20 and 25, but teens are likely for the colder spots.
Tons of sun again today, but it remains cold this afternoon with temperatures in the upper 30s and lower 40s.
FRIGID AIR: Temperatures are generally between 20 and 25 degrees over the northern half of Alabama; they have been holding steady through the night thanks to a deck of mid level clouds that moved in. Our Skywatcher at Black Creek (near Gadsden), Vic Bell, did drop to 16 degrees at midnight last night before the clouds moved in. We have freezing temperatures all the way down to the Gulf Coast; Mobile reports 28 degrees just before daybreak. As expected, we have received a few reports of light snow flurries over North Alabama early this morning, but there is no impact.
COLD JANUARY DAY: Clouds are lingering over far North Alabama this afternoon, where temperatures remain below freezing. At 2pm CT, Decatur reported 26 degrees, a north wind at 12 mph, and a wind chill index of 16. Even where the sun is shining, temperatures haven’t responded much. Birmingham was at 35 degrees at 2:00… the average high for Birmingham on January 20 is 54.
Skies are sunny across much of Central Alabama with the exception of the northern portions of the area. Will all of this sunshine, don’t expect it to feel warm as Old Man Winter has returned to the area.
Today will be sunny but cold; areas north of Birmingham hold in the 30s all day; Central Alabama will see low to mid 40s, with low 50s over the far southern counties of of the state. Tonight will feature a freeze statewide; lows over North/Central Alabama will be mostly in the 20-25 degree range, with a few upper teens for colder spots.
The amazing Cold Wave of 1940 started on this date that year. It would go on to be the coldest prolonged period in Birmingham history.
Breezy and colder conditions have moved into Alabama behind a cold front. The winds will relax this afternoon and a cold night is ahead. Look for even colder readings Monday night.
After nearly a month of above-normal temperatures across Central Alabama, things will be trending in the opposite direction for the next few days.
Rain showers have been increasing in coverage this morning across the state ahead of the cold front which will bring winter temperatures back to Alabama for the week ahead.
James Spann
@spann
