Another Beautiful March Day

WARMEST WEEK SO FAR THIS YEAR: Afternoon temperatures will remain in the 70s all week, and a few spots over West Alabama could approach 80 degrees tomorrow afternoon. The average high (for Birmingham) for March 8 is 64. Sure looks like we stay dry through tomorrow, with partly sunny days. We might consider a small risk of a shower tomorrow near the Mississippi border.

TO THE WEST: The dual threat of flash flooding and severe storms will continue across parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana through mid-week; rain totals there in the broad zone from Lake Charles to Little Rock will be close to ten inches in spots.

THURSDAY: We will bring in the risk of showers Thursday, but the rain shouldn’t be too widespread or heavy. The sky will feature more clouds than sun, and we rise into the 70s again.

FRIDAY/SATURDAY: Seems like our most widespread rain will come on Friday with occasional showers and thunderstorms likely. The upper trough will fill and weaken as it lifts out, and for now severe weather doesn’t seem likely. But, a strong storm is possible in a few places.

We will need to maintain the chance of showers and storms on Saturday, but it won’t rain all day, and the sun might peek out at times. And, again, no risk of severe weather is seen at this point.

SUNDAY: This will be a generally dry day for the state, with a partly sunny sky and a high between 72 and 75 degrees.

NEXT WEEK: A disturbance could bring a few widely scattered showers Monday, but for now the week looks generally dry and mild with highs holding in the 70s. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

TOO EARLY TO PLANT: Every year, I advise waiting until April 15 or later to plant anything that will be harmed by a freeze. Simple climatology reveals a high probability of a late season cold snap/freeze into early April. Happens almost every year like clockwork.

AT THE BEACH: Dry and mild weather continues today and tomorrow with 6-8 hours of sunshine; showers are possible Thursday through Saturday. Highs on the immediate coast will be in the 60s due to the cooler ocean water, with 70s inland. The sea water temperature early this morning at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab is 63 degrees. Also, be aware there is a high danger of rip tides on the Alabama/Northwest Florida coast this week. See a very detailed Gulf Coast forecast here.

SPOTTER TRAINING IN JACKSONVILLE TONIGHT! We are offering basic SKYWARN training at four locations across North/Central Alabama in March… and the first session is tonight at the Jacksonville Community Center at 6:30 p.m.

The big event, Storm Spotter Xtreme, will be held on Saturday, April 9 at the BJCC from 9am to 2pm. This will feature both the basic and advanced SKYWARN classes, along with a session from Kevin Laws of the Birmingham NWS office. And, if you come, you get free admission to the Alabama International Auto Show, going on at the BJCC that same day. There is no cost and no need to register. Just show up with a curious mind. Kids 10 and older will also enjoy this if they love weather and want to learn more. Please help us make the severe weather warning process better!

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.

CONNECT: You can find me on all of the major social networks…

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

Tags: ANC, mild

Category: Alabama's Weather