Dry Through Wednesday; More Storms Thursday Afternoon/Night
COOL, DRY DAY AHEAD: A few spots have dipped into the upper 30s early this morning… our Skywatcher at Black Creek, just northeast of Gadsden, reports 37 degrees just before daybreak. It was also 37 at Cullman and Haleyville; most places are in the low to mid 40s. Today will feature sunshine in full supply with a high between 68 and 71 degrees (the average high for April 15 at Birmingham is 74).
TOMORROW/WEDNESDAY: Sunny weather continues with warmer afternoons; the high tomorrow will be close to 80, followed by low 80s Wednesday. To the west, severe storms are likely Wednesday in a broad zone from Texas to near Chicago ahead of another vigorous spring storm system.
ANOTHER SEVERE WEATHER THREAT: That system will bring rain and storms to Alabama Thursday afternoon and Thursday night, and SPC has all of Alabama and Mississippi in a severe weather threat on their “Day 4” severe weather outlook.
At this point, it looks like the greatest chance of severe weather for our state will come from roughly 2:00 p.m. until 12:00 midnight Thursday. Unfortunately, at a time when the air tends to be most unstable. The synoptic setup suggests all modes of severe weather will be possible, including large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes. Understand the timing could change as we get closer to the event, but Alabamians will need to be ready for another rough ride Thursday afternoon and Thursday night.
FRIDAY: The severe weather threat will move off to the east, but a deep upper trough will keep the sky cloudy with a chance of some lingering rain at times. And, the day will be much cooler with temperatures struggling to reach the low 60s.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Any lingering clouds should move out early in the day, otherwise Saturday will be a sunny, pleasant day with a high around 70. Sunday will feature sunshine in full supply with a high close to 80 degrees.
NEXT WEEK: For now much of the week looks warm and dry with highs most days in the low to mid 80s… See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.
ON THIS DATE IN 2011: The “forgotten” tornado outbreak of April 15, 2011. Throughout the day, 45 tornado warnings and 19 severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for Central Alabama. Out of the 29 confirmed tornadoes, the total damage path length was over 244 miles, with 10 of those tornadoes having damage paths over 10 miles long. Four people were killed, including three at Boones Chapel in northern Autauga County (they were in a mobile home).
The event was “forgotten” by many due to what would happen 12 days later, on April 27, 2011, when a generational tornado outbreak would kill 252 people in our state.
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I have weather programs today at Southview Elementary in Tuscaloosa, and Greystone Elementary in Hoover… the next Weather Xtreme video will be posted here by 4:00 this afternoon. Enjoy the day!
Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Weather Xtreme Videos
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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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