Colder Air Arrives

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Wow, what a beautiful day we had yesterday. But today winter has returned! And for most locations, the high for the day has already occurred with temperatures falling into the 40s or holding steady. With clear skies tonight temperatures should fall into the 20s. But take heart as the air moderates and we recover quickly.

The big change in the forecast is that the weekend may be wetter than I expected based on computer guidance yesterday. It appears now that moisture will return on Friday with scattered showers possible. But a short wave trough coming out of the Southwest US will bring a warm front north through Alabama on Saturday keeping us cloudy and somewhat wet.

The rain chances should diminish on Sunday and I think Monday will remain dry before the next system begins to have an impact on Central Alabama during the latter half of Monday and Tuesday. And it is interesting to note that the GFS was not nearly as bullish on the strength of the surface low on this mornings run, but strong storms could still be possible.

Rainfall for the next five days should come in around one half to one inch in the first rain of 2009 from Friday through early Sunday.

And peeking into voodoo country will still keep any snow enthusiasts happy with some potential for winter weather in the Southeast US. The long range GFS progs continue to show the change to a much colder pattern with the possibility of a winter weather episode around the 11th and again on the 15th. Remember, we don’t call this voodoo for nothing. In fact my forecast only three to four days out has changed with the newest data, so I’m not promising a winter storm. But if the pattern as suggested by the GFS model maps occurs, then there will be some winter weather issues in some location across the Southeast. As suggested by the GFS, it does not appear to be a major storm issue but a widespread cold event which does not usually result in significant snowfall. I’m sure lots of folks will be watching – I know I will!!

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I should have the next Weather Xtreme Video posted by 7:30 or 8 tomorrow morning as we continue on a holiday schedule through this week with one video a day. In spite of the cold and wind, I plan to get my daily walk in because I know the sun will feel good. And Cheyenne will probably trot along with me, so we can both get a bit of exercise. Of course, I sometimes think by the look on her face when I get the leash ready that she’d rather not go. But we both feel good when we get back. I hope you have a great day. Happy New Year and Godspeed!

-Brian-

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