Colder Tonight; Dry Through Friday
BLUE SKY: Not a cloud in the sky across Alabama this afternoon; temperatures are in the 50s over the northern half of the state, with 60s to the south. Colder air drops into the state tonight, and most places will be in the 24-34 degree range by daybreak tomorrow.
The weather will stay dry through Friday with sunny cool days and clear cold nights. A freeze is likely over the northern 2/3 of the state Wednesday and Thursday morning, then by Friday afternoon highs will rise into the 60s statewide.
CHRISTMAS WEEKEND: At this point Saturday looks dry with a highs similar to those on Friday, but clouds will likely increase during the day ahead of a weather system to the west. We will bring in a chance of rain beginning Saturday night, and into Sunday and Christmas Day. It is just too early to be specific about timing, rain amounts, chance of thunder, etc with considerable model differences. Highs will likely be in the upper 50s and low 60s Sunday and Monday, a little above average for late December in Alabama. And, for now, the chance of severe thunderstorms looks very low with no surface based instability.
Still no sign of Arctic air for the rest of December as temperatures are expected to remain near average through next week. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
ON THIS DATE IN 1944: Typhoon Cobra, also known as the Typhoon of 1944 or Halsey’s Typhoon (named after Admiral William “Bull” Halsey), was the United States Navy designation for a tropical cyclone that struck the Task Force 38 in the during World War II in the Pacific. The typhoon was first observed on December 17 as it surprised a fleet of ships in the open waters of the western Pacific Ocean. Sustained winds associated with the storm were up to 100 mph with gusts to 140 mph. On December 18, the small but violent typhoon hit the Task Force while many of the ships were attempting to refuel. Due to the extreme seas and winds, three destroyers capsized and went down with practically all hands, while a cruiser, five aircraft carriers, and three destroyers suffered serious damage. Approximately 790 officers and men were lost or killed with another 80 injured.
ON THIS DATE IN 1986: A strong winter storm, which developed off the coast of New Jersey and moved out to sea, lashed the northeastern U.S. with high winds, heavy rain, and heavy snow. The storm left snowfall amounts of up to 30 inches in Vermont, 24 inches in Massachusetts, and 20 inches in New Hampshire. The highest rainfall amounts approached four inches in southern New England, where winds gusted to 70 mph.
Look for the next video briefing here by 6:00 a.m. tomorrow…
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
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