Rain Moves In Tonight; Turning Much Colder Tomorrow
MILD WINTER DAY: Temperatures are in the 60s across Alabama this afternoon… it will be the warmest day this week, and probably the warmest day for the rest of January. Clouds are increasing over the northern half counties, and rain is entering the northwest corner of Alabama this afternoon ahead of a cold front. Rain will expand southward tonight… there could be some thunder, but severe storms are not expected here. We do note there is a risk of severe storms west of Alabama tonight across parts of East Texas, Louisiana, South Arkansas, and Mississippi.
COLD AIR RETURNS: Tomorrow will be sharply colder with temperatures holding in the 30s all day over the northern half of the state. There is a window for a little light freezing rain or freezing drizzle over the northern third of Alabama tomorrow morning… some light bridge icing is possible generally north of a line from Hamilton to Cullman to Fort Payne. This isn’t a major icing event, but a few slick spots could form on bridges where temperatures fall below 32 degrees tomorrow morning north of Birmingham.
Rain will end from north to south during the day tomorrow as the front pushes down to near the Gulf Coast by afternoon.
FRIDAY: A wave of low pressure is expected to form along the front in the northern Gulf Friday, but models continue to trend drier. Still, a little light freezing rain or drizzle is possible over South Alabama Friday morning in the broad zone from Mobile to Montgomery to Lafayette, but amounts should be light, and bridge icing issues should be pretty limited. Still, be aware of the potential if you are driving through South Alabama Friday morning.
For the northern half of the state, Friday will be cloudy and cold with temperatures in the 30s all day. A few snow flurries are possible over the eastern counties, but no accumulation or impact is expected.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Look for a good supply of sunshine both days. Lows will be well down in the 20s… the high Saturday will be in the mid to upper 40s, and in the 47-51 degree range Sunday.
NEXT WEEK: Monday will be dry with a high in the 50s, then a wave will bring rain to the state Tuesday with temperatures in the 40s most of the day. The latter half of the week looks dry with below average temperatures. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.
ON THIS DATE IN 1961: Eight inches of snow fell and caused crippling traffic jams around the Washington D.C. area on the eve of John Kennedy’s inauguration. The president-elect had to cancel dinner plans and, in a struggle to keep other commitments, reportedly had only 4 hours of sleep. Former President Herbert Hoover was unable to fly into Washington National Airport due to the weather, and he had to miss the swearing-in ceremony.
ON THIS DATE IN 2008: A winter storm brought 3 to 5 inches of snow across parts of Marengo, Dallas, Perry, and Chilton counties in Central Alabama. Amounts in the Birmingham metro were generally under 1/2 inch.
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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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