Dry, Warmer Today/Tomorrow; Severe Storms Possible By Thursday Afternoon
BIG WARM-UP TODAY: Temperatures are mostly in the 25-35 degree range across Alabama early this morning… look for a high in the mid 60s today with sunshine in full supply. Tomorrow will be a partly sunny day with a high between 65 and 70 degrees. Clouds will increase tomorrow night.
SEVERE WEATHER POTENTIAL THURSDAY: A dynamic weather system will bring the threat of strong to severe thunderstorms to Alabama Thursday afternoon and evening. SPC has a “slight risk” (level 2/5) of severe storms defined for areas west of a line from Athens to Moody to Prattville to Jackson; the rest of the state is in a “marginal risk” (level 1/5).
TIMING: The broad window for severe storms in Alabama will come from 2:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. Storms will end from west to east Thursday night.
THREATS: Storms will be capable of producing hail, strong winds, and a few tornadoes. The higher risk of a tornado is over the “slight risk” across the western half of Alabama.
WIND: Gradient winds (not related to thunderstorms) will average 15-25 mph out of the south, with potential for gusts to 30/35 mph. It will be a windy day.
RAIN: Rain amounts of around one inch are likely… a few spots could see higher totals. Flooding is not expected to be an issue for now.
Events like this are common in Alabama in February; tornado season here runs from November through May. Be sure you have a reliable way of hearing warnings if they are needed (never an outdoor siren), and have a plan in case you fall in a tornado warning polygon.
FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: The sky becomes partly to mostly sunny Friday, but the day will be sharply colder with a high around 50 degrees. Dry weather continues over the weekend with sunny days, fair nights, and a warming trend. The high Saturday will be in the mid to upper 50s, and then in the mid 60s Sunday.
NEXT WEEK: Moisture returns Monday, and we will bring in the chance of showers. Then, it looks like there will be some risk of rain each day next week as a moist airmass will over the state. Too early to know if we will see any severe weather threat; rain amounts in the 1-2 inch range look likely Monday through Friday. The week will be mild as temperatures reach the 70s in many places by Tuesday and Wednesday… See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.
ON THIS DATE IN 2021: Freezing rain continue across parts of North and Northwest Alabama. As much as 1/2 inch of ice accretion occurred in areas, with lesser amounts closer to 1/4 inch more common. The weight of the ice caused trees to bend or fall over, tree branches to break, and power outages. The coating of ice made for dangerous or impossible travel across the warning area. Weak instability values aloft yielded a few lightning strikes where frozen precipitation was occurring.
BEACH FORECAST: Click here to see the AlabamaWx Beach Forecast Center page.
WEATHER BRAINS: Don’t forget you can listen to our weekly 90 minute show anytime on your favorite podcast app. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including our meteorologists here at ABC 33/40.
CONNECT: You can find me on all of the major social networks…
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
About the Author (Author Profile)
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
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
