Warmer Through Tomorrow; Cold Air/Snow Arrives Early Saturday

WARMER: Clouds linger across Alabama this morning with a few isolated showers, but the sky becomes partly to mostly sunny later this morning, and temperatures should rise into the upper 60s this afternoon as a temporary warming trend begins. We reach the mid 70s tomorrow with a mix of sun and clouds, but the warmth won’t last long. A cold front moves into the state tomorrow night with rain and thunderstorms… SPC maintains a “slight risk” (level 2/5) of severe thunderstorms for areas south of a line from Mobile to Eufaula, and a “marginal risk” (level 1/5) as far north as Grove Hill, Prattville, and Roanoke.

Strong winds are possible with the heavier thunderstorms across South Alabama tomorrow night, along with a few tornadoes. Severe storms are not expected over the northern half of the state.

MARCH SNOW: As cold air rushes in, rain will change to snow over North Alabama after midnight tomorrow night into early Saturday morning. Higher accumulation probabilities are along and north of U.S. 278 (Hamilton to Cullman to Gadsden), where some spots could see 1-2 inches on grassy areas (roads will be just wet). Snow flakes are likely down to Tuscaloosa/Birmingham/Anniston, but odds of meaningful accumulation are low that far south. Accumulation potential will be limited by warm soil temperatures; remember we will be in the 70s tomorrow afternoon before the snow arrives.

As temperatures drop below freezing, a few slick spots are possible on bridges across the Tennessee Valley of North Alabama Saturday morning. For now travel impact is not expected for places like Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Anniston.

The sky will clear Saturday afternoon, but the day will be breezy and very cold with temperatures holding in the 30s along and north of I-20. The wind chill index will hover around freezing all day.

With a clear sky and diminishing wind, we project lows in the 18-24 degree range over the northern half of Alabama early Sunday morning, a very significant late season freeze. Some North Alabama communities will be below freezing for 8-12 hours Saturday night/early Sunday. Freezing temperatures are likely all the way down to the Gulf Coast. Then, with a sunny sky temperatures warm into the 50s Sunday afternoon.

NEXT WEEK: Monday will be dry and warmer with a high in the 60s, but rain returns to the state Tuesday, and possibly into part of the day Wednesday, and an upper trough passes through the region. Temperatures rise into the 70s Thursday and Friday; showers and storms are possible by Friday night (March 18)… See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

ON THIS DATE IN 1986: Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes hit Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. A total of 19 tornadoes occurred. Three of the tornadoes in Indiana reached F3 intensity. A densely populated subdivision of Southeast Lexington, Kentucky, was heavily damaged by a tornado. Twenty people were injured, and 900 homes were destroyed or demolished. A very strong thunderstorm downburst hit the Cincinnati area. At the Greater Cincinnati Airport, windows were blown out of the control tower, injuring the six controllers on duty.

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…

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 3:00 this afternoon… enjoy the day!

Tags: ANC, featured, warmer

Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Weather Xtreme Videos