A Few Widely Scattered Showers/Storms
RADAR CHECK: As expected, the big mass of storms from last night over Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi has greatly weakened. One strong storm is left, and is moving into West Alabama as I write this a little before daybreak. The NWS issued a severe thunderstorm warning for this one, but it will weaken as it moves east.
For the rest of the day we will mention just the risk of widely scattered showers today over the northern half of the state, otherwise we expect a mix of sun and clouds with a high in the mid 70s.
SUMMER PREVIEW TOMORROW: Both the NAM and the GFS are printing a high of 83 for Birmingham tomorrow… if we reach that, it will be the first official high of 80 or warmer this year, easily making it the warmest day so far this year (we reached 79 on March 9 and March 10). The sky will be mostly sunny.
A cold front will pass through tomorrow night, and it looks like it will come through in mostly dry fashion, although a few showers or storms could form over far North Alabama. In fact, SPC has a “marginal” severe weather risk defined for the Tennessee Valley of extreme North Alabama. But, the main risk of severe storms will come well to the north of our state.
WEDNESDAY: The day will be sunny and slightly cooler with a high between 75 and 78 degrees. Clouds will increase Wednesday night.
THURSDAY: The next wave will bring rain to the state mainly during the morning hours, some thunder is possible but no risk of severe storms. Seems like the main window for rain Thursday will come from 3:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, and the high will be close to 70 degrees.
FRIDAY: For now the weather looks dry and pleasant, with a partly to mostly sunny sky and a high in the low 70s. Some rain is possible over the southern quarter of the state.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: At this point it looks like we will deal with rain as the weekend begins; a surface low will track right over Alabama with rain likely. Again, no risk of severe weather with a stable airmass… we could very well hold in the 50s all day. Then, after the rain on Saturday, Sunday looks cool and dry with a good supply of sunshine. The high will be only in the upper 50s with a cool north breeze.
LATE SEASON COLD SNAP: Long time readers know every year I advise waiting until April 15 to plant anything that will be harmed by a freeze. The ECMWF suggests we drop into the 30s Monday (March 21)… with potential for a light freeze for colder valleys and protected areas.
Growers, beware.
The first half of next week will be dry with a warming trend beginning Monday afternoon… see the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.
AT THE BEACH: Expect a decent amount of sunshine on the Gulf Coast from Gulf Shores over to Panama City Beach today through Wednesday, but rain is likely Thursday, possibly into Friday. Highs hold in the 60s on the immediate coast due to the cool ocean water, with 70s and low 80s inland. The sea water temperature early this morning at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab is 66 degrees. See a very detailed Gulf Coast forecast here.
STORM SPOTTER TRAINING: We are offering basic SKYWARN training at several locations across North/Central Alabama in March, followed by the big event, Storm Spotter Xtreme 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!
We will be in Cullman tomorrow evening…
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. We will produce this week’s show tonight at 8:30 CT… you can watch it live here.
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I have stops today at Oak Mountain Middle School, Concord Elementary, and West Elementary in Vestavia… look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 4:00 this afternoon. Enjoy the day!
Category: Alabama's Weather
About the Author (Author Profile)
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.Subscribe
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