Strong/Severe Storms Tomorrow; Then Much Colder
CHANGES AHEAD: Clouds will increase across Alabama today ahead of a cold front… a few showers will likely develop this afternoon and tonight. Then, tomorrow, thunderstorms just ahead of the front could become strong to severe. There is a major NWS data/web outage this morning, so the SPC outlook is not available, but I would imagine much of the state will be in a “marginal” or “slight” risk (level 1-2/5).
The main threat with the line of thunderstorms tomorrow will be strong, potentially damaging winds. Pay attention to severe thunderstorm warnings since strong winds could easily knock down trees with the saturated soil conditions we have across Alabama. Some small hail is also possible with the heavier thunderstorms. A brief, isolated tornado is possible in spots, but not especially likely. Rain amounts of around one inch are likely.
And, temperatures will fall quickly once the front passes tomorrow. Temperatures will fall quickly through the 50s, and into the upper 40s with a brisk north wind. For some in Central Alabama, temperatures will fall from around 70 degrees at midday, into the 47-52 degree range by 4/5 p.m. It will be a sharp, noticeable change.
LATE SEASON FREEZE AHEAD: We are projecting a low around 30 degrees Thursday morning, and in the 23-32 degree range early Friday, with the wind will be light. The sky will be sunny both days with highs in the 55-59 degree range, well below average for early April. Will this be the last freeze of the season? Possibly, but understand we have experienced a freeze as late as April 23.
The weekend ahead will be dry with a warming trend. Expect a good supply of sunshine both days… the high Saturday will be in the mid 60s, followed by low 70s Sunday.
NEXT WEEK: The first half of the week will be dry; temperatures will be close to 80 by Tuesday and Wednesday. Showers and storms return by Thursday and Friday… too early to know if severe thunderstorms will be an issue. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.
SURVEY UPDATE: NWS Birmingham has confirmed ten tornadoes in their County Warning Area (CWA) last Thursday. Four of them were rated EF-3. One of them was on the ground for 80 miles… it first touched down near Sawyerville in Hale County, and lifted near Wilsonville. The path was very similar to the May 27, 1973 tornado… both hit the NWS radar site near Brent (it was decommissioned in the mid 1990s).
BEACH FORECAST: Click here to see the AlabamaWx Beach Forecast Center page.
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Look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 3:00 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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