Drought Emergency Now Statewide

ALL 67 COUNTIES: This afternoon Alabama Governor Robert Bentley expanded the “drought emergency” to include all 67 counties. Here is some information from the afternoon news release…

“Although 46 counties in North Alabama were already under the No Burn Order, it was necessary to add the remaining 21 counties in the southern part of the state because of alarming wildfire activity and continued lack of rainfall,” Governor Bentley said. “The expansion of this No Burn Order is critical to keeping our citizens safe from the threat of wildfires and reducing the chance of avoidable fires.

Under the Drought Emergency ‘No Burn’ Order, Section 9-13-141 of the Code of Alabama states that it is illegal for any person to set fire to any forest, grass, woods, wildlands or marshes; to build a campfire or bonfire; or to burn trash or other material that may cause a forest, grass or woods fire. Specifically, the regulation prohibits any prescribed burns, any campfire or bonfire, any trash or debris fires, or any other open burning. If convicted, the penalty for violating the No Burn order is up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $500.00.

The ‘No Burn’ order will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester, at which time conditions will have changed sufficiently to reduce the occurrence and frequency of wildfires. To report persons burning in violation of this law, contact your local law enforcement.”

Image below is a wildfire in Blount County North of Oneonta near the base of Palisades Mountain at Sand Valley Road (30 acres or more)… photo from @destiny_allman

We have gone, counting today, 50 consecutive days without measurable rain (based on data at the Birmingham Airport). The record is 52 days set in 1924. If there is no rain, we tie the record Wednesday, and break it Thursday. A very high probability this happens.

RADAR CHECK: We actually have rain on radar west of Alabama… over the western two-thirds of Mississippi…

Unfortunately the best chance of measurable rain over Alabama with this feature will be limited to the far southern counties tonight, tomorrow, and possibly into Wednesday. North and Central Alabama communities could see a few sprinkles tomorrow morning, but nothing meaningful. Otherwise, tomorrow will feature a mix of sun and clouds with a high between 67 and 72 degrees.

WEDNESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY: Mostly sunny days, clear nights, and a cooling trend. The latest GFS run is printing a low of 41 early Thursday, and 39 early Friday at Birmingham. Highs will be in the 60s.

THE WEEKEND: Sunny cool days, clear cold nights. This will be the coldest weekend so far this season; some frost looks likely for most places early Sunday, with a freeze likely for colder pockets. Highs will remain in the 60s.

FOOTBALL WEATHER: For the high school playoff games Friday, a clear sky with temperatures falling from 60 at kickoff into the upper 40s by the second half.

Alabama hosts Mississippi State Saturday (11:00a CT kickoff); the sky will be sunny with temperatures rising from near 59 at kickoff, to 65 by the fourth quarter.

Auburn travels to Athens, GA to take on the Georgia Bulldogs (2:30p CT kickoff)… a perfect day for football. About 66 degrees at kickoff, dropping back to near 60 by the final whistle.

NEXT WEEK: The long awaited “pattern flip” begins. Global models bring a cold front, and a chance of rain, to North/Central Alabama by mid-week. It is impossible to resolve the timing or amount of rain at this point, but rain is very possible, if not likely as early as Tuesday November 15. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

AT THE BEACH: Expect cloudy period through Wednesday with a few passing rain showers, then sunny days and clear nights Thursday through the weekend. Highs will be mostly in the 70s… See a very detailed Gulf Coast forecast here.

TROPICS: The Atlantic basin remains quiet, and tropical storm formation is not expected this week. The hurricane season will end November 30.

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 8:30p CT… you can watch it live here.

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I had a great time today seeing the kindergarten students at Walnut Park Elementary in Gadsden… be looking for them on the Pepsi KIDCAM today at 5:00 on ABC 33/40 News! The next Weather Xtreme video will be posted here by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow…

Tags: ANC, dry

Category: Alabama's Weather