Spring-Like Today; Strong Storms Wednesday
BIG WARM-UP TODAY: Temperatures are all over the board this morning; across North Alabama at 5:00 a.m. they range from 32 at Fort Payne to 55 at Muscle Shoals. But, everyone warms up nicely today as temperatures climb toward the 70 degree mark along with a partly to mostly sunny. The average high for Birmingham on February 3 is 56.
Clouds will increase tonight with some rain possible after midnight, and tomorrow will be a cloudy, mild, and breezy day with occasional showers for the northern half of Alabama. It won’t rain all day, and there is no risk of severe thunderstorms. The high will be in the upper 60s.
STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS POSSIBLE WEDNESDAY: An approaching weather system will bring rain and storms to the state Wednesday and Wednesday night; SPC has defined a “slight risk” (level 2/5) of severe storms for parts of South Alabama… south of a line from Grove Hill to Fort Deposit to Troy to Abbeville. A “marginal risk” (level 1/5) is up as far north as Winfield, Cullman, and Centre.
There is a decent chance we will have periods of rain through most of the day Wednesday, which will limit the instability, and keep the thermodynamic fields from becoming really favorable for a big severe weather day. Highest risk of severe storms will come over the southern third of the state late Wednesday and Wednesday night, where the air will be most unstable.
For North/Central Alabama, heavier storms Wednesday and Wednesday night could produce small hail and gusty winds. A brief, isolated tornado can’t be ruled out. The main window for the stronger storms will come from 12:00 noon until 12:00 midnight.
Thursday will be cooler with lingering light rain at times; temperatures will hold in the mid 50s. Rain amounts tomorrow through Thursday will be in the 2 to 3 inch range for most of Alabama. A few isolated flooding issues are possible, especially with the heavier rain Wednesday and Wednesday night.
FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: Friday and Saturday will be cool and mostly dry; the sky will be occasionally cloudy, and a few patches of light rain can’t be totally ruled out (but not especially likely). The high Friday will be in the low 50s, followed by mid to upper 50s Saturday. Sunday should be a nice day with ample sunshine along with a high around 60 degrees.
NEXT WEEK: Looks like the next chance of rain will come Tuesday night into Wednesday of next week; too early to know if strong storms will be an issue. Highs will be in the 60s for the first half of the week, dropping back into the 50s by Thursday and Friday. Still no sign of any bitterly cold, Arctic air for Alabama over the next seven to ten days. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.
ON THIS DATE IN 1947: The record-low temperature for continental North America was recorded in Snag, in the Yukon Territory, Canada. The temperature was 81.4 degrees below zero.
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I have a weather program this morning at Advent Episcopal School in Birmingham… look for the next Weather Xtreme video 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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