Cooler Today; Storms Tomorrow Evening

ANOTHER SUNNY DAY: Expect sunshine in full supply across Alabama again today, but temperatures will be about 10 degrees cooler than those we enjoyed yesterday; most locations will see a high in the mid 60s this afternoon. The average high for April 5 (for Birmingham) is 72.

MID-WEEK CHANGES: Clouds increase tomorrow as a cold front approaches, and winds will pick up by afternoon. South winds will be in the 15-25 mph range by late afternoon, with gusts possibly over 30 mph.

Models have trended a little faster with the band of showers/storms associated with the front… showers could reach Northwest Alabama tomorrow afternoon, and the main window for stronger storms will come from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

SPC maintains a “marginal risk” of severe weather for about the northern two-thirds of Alabama…

The low level jet is running in the 40-45 knot range, not especially favorable for severe storms in April. Surface based CAPE values rise to about 1,000 j/kg in spots, and shear and lapse rate values are not especially high. The main threats will come from hail and gusty thunderstorm winds. Actually, the pressure gradient wind, away from storms, could be the biggest issue.

THURSDAY/FRIDAY: These two days will be dry with a good supply of sunshine and a cooling trend, with upper 60s Thursday and low 60s Friday.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Sunny days continue, but temperatures remain below average. The high Saturday will be close to 60, and most places north of Birmingham won’t get out of the 50s. Early morning lows will be in the 30s both Saturday and Sunday morning; highest frost coverage will most likely come early Sunday when the wind will be near calm. Colder spots will have the risk of a freeze both mornings, and growers/gardeners will need to monitor temperature forecasts closely.

NEXT WEEK: The weather stays dry Monday; latest GFS runs hint the next round of showers and storms will come Tuesday night into Wednesday, and that system will need to be monitored for severe weather potential. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

AT THE BEACH: Generally dry weather is the story on the Gulf Coast from Gulf Shores over to Panama City Beach through the next seven days, although a few showers/storms are possible tomorrow night. Highs will be in the 70s, with 60s along the immediate coast due to the cooler ocean water (sea surface temperatures are mostly in the 60s). See a very detailed Gulf Coast forecast here.

STORM SPOTTER TRAINING TONIGHT: We have a basic storm spotting class at the Helena Community Center in Shelby County this evening at 6:30.

And, Storm Spotter Xtreme is coming up this 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.

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

Tags: ANC, sunny

Category: Alabama's Weather