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Summer-Like Weather Again Today

| April 20, 2017 @ 6:35 am

WARM APRIL WEATHER: The average high for Birmingham today (April 20) is 75… we expect to beat that by about 10 degrees today as temperatures return to the mid 80s this afternoon. Today’s record high is 88 set in 2002… we probably won’t get that warm. And, like yesterday, we expect a few random, widely scattered showers and storms this afternoon and into the evening hours. The chance of any one spot getting wet is only about one in eight.

We should mention Birmingham has now gone 15 consecutive days without measurable rain, rather unusual for April.

TOMORROW: The weather won’t be all that much different, although we do expect an increase in the number of scattered showers and storms late tomorrow into tomorrow night over the northern third of the state thanks to an approaching surface front. SPC has far North Alabama in a “marginal risk” of severe storms; some small hail and gusty winds are possible tomorrow evening over the Tennessee Valley. Otherwise, tomorrow will feature a mix of sun and clouds with a high in the mid 80s again.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: A surface low will form on the front just north of the state, and it should be near Memphis at midday Saturday. A warm, moist airmass will remain over Alabama, and we expect a round of showers and strong storms from mid to late afternoon into Saturday night. SPC has a “marginal risk” of severe storms defined for about the northern two-thirds of the state…

Generally speaking, the overall severe weather parameters are not impressive for late April. Wind fields, instability, and shear will support strong, possibly severe storms, but as SPC indicates, it is just a “marginal” threat.

TIMING: The main window for stronger storms will come from 4pm until 10pm Saturday. Understand a few scattered showers are possible earlier in the day, but nothing heavy or widespread.

THREATS: Heavier storms late Saturday afternoon and into the evening hours could produce some small hail, and strong gusty winds. The tornado threat is very low.

RAIN: Rain amounts should be in the 1/2 to 1 inch range; flooding is not expected.

Sunday will be much cooler; any lingering light rain will end during the morning. We don’t get past the mid 60s, and some communities over far North Alabama could hold in the 50s all day.

NEXT WEEK: Monday morning will be cool with temperatures reaching the upper 40s, but we warm into the mid 70s Monday afternoon with a good supply of sunshine. The rest of the week looks dry with a warming trend; temperatures return to the 80s by Wednesday. Seems like the next chance of rain and storms will be at some point over the following weekend (April 29-30). Too early to know if severe storms will be an issue; see the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

STORM SPOTTER TRAINING IN JASPER THIS EVENING: The last spotter training event of the year will be held in Jasper this evening; we will be at the Jasper Civic Center, and the session begins at 6:30. It is free, and there is no need to register. Just come with a curious mind!

HONDA INDY GRAND PRIX BEGINS TOMORROW! It will be held at the beautiful Barber Motorsports Park! Make plans for the event that has been voted “Best Annual Event” & “Best Sporting Event” in Birmingham. Kids 15 & under are admitted free with a ticketed adult, and three-day general admission tickets are $69. Single day tickets are $15. Pack a picnic/cooler and bring the family out for a weekend full of activities and racing! Get tickets and more information here. The main chance of rain and storms will come Saturday night; some lingering light rain is possible Sunday morning. Get the detailed race cast here.

ALABAMA A DAY: The annual spring game kicks off at 2:00 Saturday afternoon at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. The latest model data suggests there is a reasonable chance that most of the rain and storms will arrive after 4:00 p.m.. meaning a pretty good chance most of the game will be played with dry conditions. The temperature will be near 80 degrees at kickoff.. I will be doing “Drive Home Weather” on the big screens with former Tide star Andre Smith (now with the Cincinnati Bengals). Come see us in the fan zone at the KS Services booth from 11am until 12 noon.

Click here to see the Beach Forecast Center page. Save Up To 25% on Spring Break Beach Vacations on the Alabama Gulf Coast with Brett/Robinson! The Beach Forecast is partially underwritten by the support of Brett/Robinson Vacation Rentals in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Click here to see Brett/Robinson’s best beach offers now!

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.

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

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Look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 4:00 this afternoon… enjoy the day!

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Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Weather Xtreme Videos

About the Author ()

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.

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