Mostly Dry Today; Rain/Storms Return Tomorrow

QUIET MONDAY: We do note a few small patches of light rain across the state early this morning, but most of the day should be rain-free with a mix of sun and clouds; temperatures reach the mid 70s this afternoon. The average high for Birmingham on March 30 is 70.

ACTIVE DAY TOMORROW: Rain and thunderstorms will return to the state tomorrow. SPC has defined a “slight risk” (level 2/5) of severe thunderstorms for areas south of a line from Linden to Clanton to Opelika, with a “marginal risk” (level 1/5) as far north as Jasper and Jacksonville.

The air over the northern half of the state will be cool and stable; the severe weather threat will be confined to the southern counties of Alabama. The main window for severe weather there will open up around mid-morning, continuing through the early afternoon hours. A few storms over South Alabama tomorrow will be capable of producing hail and strong winds. An isolated tornado or two is certainly possible as well.

Rain amounts should be around 1/2 inch for most communities, and the rain will end from west to east during the afternoon hours. Temperatures over North Alabama won’t get past the mid 60s; 70s are likely for South Alabama.

REST OF THE WEEK: The weather looks dry Wednesday through Friday with mostly sunny days and fair nights. Wednesday morning will be pretty chilly; look for upper 30s over the northern third of the state, and some patchy light frost can’t be ruled out for the colder valleys and protected areas. The high Wednesday will be in the 63-66 degree range, followed by low 70s Thursday and mid 70s Friday.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: The next wave brings rain into the state Saturday. Severe storms are not expected, and it won’t rain all day. But, periods of rain are likely with a high in the 70s. Sunday looks dry with a mix of sun and clouds along with a high in the mid to upper 70s.

NEXT WEEK: Global models suggest rain returns to the state Monday, followed by mid weather for the mid-week period, with highs mostly in the 70s. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

While models still don’t show strong signals for a morning with widespread frost or freezing temperatures, I will fully expect at least one more shot at it before the season is over. Long time Alabama residents know of “blackberry winter”.

STORMS THIS PAST WEEKEND: Severe storms during the pre-dawn hours over West Alabama produced hail to 3 inches in diameter over parts of Lamar and Fayette counties. Scattered wind damage was reported over parts of Winston and Cullman counties.

ON THIS DATE IN 2016: Early in the evening, a localized but significant tornado event impacted Oklahoma and Arkansas, including an EF2 that caused heavy damage to homes, businesses, and industrial buildings in the northern part of Tulsa, injuring four people.

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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