Midday Nowcast: Sun, Clouds, Near Record Warmth, then Much Colder Weekend Weather

VERY MILD DECEMBER WEATHER: More clouds than sunshine again today with well-above average temperatures this afternoon as highs climb in the upper 60s and lower 70s. Most of Alabama will be dry today, but some showers are possible over the northern third of the state this afternoon and evening. Tomorrow, rain will become likely statewide ahead of a cold front. A few storms are possible as well, but severe storms are not expected with this front. Rain amounts will be light, under one-half inch for most of the state with these heavier amounts over the Tennessee Valley of the state. Highs tomorrow will again be close to 70°.

BIRMINGHAM ALMANAC: For December 17th, the average high for Birmingham is 57° and the average low is 38°. The record high is 73° set in 1933 and 1984, while the record low is 13° set in 1901. We average 0.16” of precipitation on this date and the record value is 4.06” set in 1961.

ACROSS THE USA: A Pacific storm will move through the Northwest U.S. today into Wednesday with areas of low elevation rain, moderate to heavy mountain snow, and high winds. Further south, strong Santa Ana winds and very dry conditions are expected to bring elevated to critical fire weather back to much of southern California this afternoon into Wednesday. Red Flag Warnings have been issued.

COOLER THURSDAY/FRIDAY: Behind the front, a cooler, drier air mass returns to the Alabama for Thursday and Friday. Expect sunshine in full supply with highs in the mid to upper 50s, while lows will begin the mid 30s. These temperatures will be right at seasonal average for mid-December.

COLD WEEKEND WEATHER: Much colder air arrives over the weekend as highs drop into the 40s for the northern half of Alabama with lows 50s for South Alabama, and overnight lows fall into the 20s for most of Alabama. This air mass will be very dry, so precipitation is not in the forecast. Both Saturday and Sunday will feature abundant sunshine.

CHRISTMAS WEEK: Little change in the forecast for no for next week. We are forecasting a warming trend for the first half of next week, and by Christmas Day, highs will be in the upper 50s to lower 60s across Alabama and temperatures reach the 60s statewide by the end of the week. As far as rain chances, the models continue to struggle with the weak waves of energy which will bring some showers to Alabama. Expect changes in the forecast in the coming days, but it looks like we could see some rain for Christmas Eve into Christmas Day.

WORLD TEMPERATURE EXTREMES: Over the last 24 hours, the highest observation outside the U.S. was 112.6F at Julia Creek, Australia. The lowest observation was -52.1F at Summit, Greenland.

CONTIGUOUS TEMPERATURE EXTREMES: Over the last 24 hours, the highest observation was 89F at McAllen, TX. The lowest observation was -2F at Gunnison, CO.

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