Clouds Still Hanging Around

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TODAY: A quick check of observations around Alabama early this morning will show a stubborn cloud cover over the northern two-thirds of the state, and it remains very doubtful that we see much sunshine today. Both the NAM and the GFS suggest a mostly cloudy day with a high only in the mid 50s, about 10 degrees below the average values for mid-March. The big upper low to the northeast has pulled away, however, so at least we won’t have to deal with any rain showers.

MID-WEEK: While we might see a few intervals of sun tomorrow, the day also looks mostly cloudy with a high around 60. And, the clouds will be around at times on Wednesday and Thursday as well with a new bit of energy coming at us from the northwest, and we will mention a few isolated showers on those days. Nothing widespread or heavy, just the possibility of a few passing showers in scattered spots. Afternoon highs on these two days will be in the low 60s, still cooler than average.

FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: It seems like Friday could very well be our brightest day of the week, with a decent amount of sunshine and a high in the upper 60s. Then, over the weekend, a cold front will bring a band of showers, followed by cooler air. The 00Z GFS suggests that Saturday will be dry, with the showers moving in here Saturday night. Then, Sunday will be cooler with lingering clouds much of the day and a high in the 50s. The good news is that we don’t expect any severe weather or really heavy rain Saturday night. Rain amounts should be less than 1/2 inch. We should note that temperatures could be close to freezing over North Alabama by Monday morning of next week.

AT THE BEACH: This is spring break week for many Alabamians… if you are beach bound the weather looks generally nice from Panama City west to Gulf Shores, with a decent amount of sunshine each day. There will a small risk of a shower Wednesday and Thursday, but nothing widespread. On the immediate coast, the high will be only in the low 60s due to the cooler ocean temperatures (water temps are running around 60), with upper 60s likely once you get inland a few miles.

NEXT WEEK AND BEYOND: Watch the Weather Xtreme video and you will see that no major storm systems are being advertised for now through the end of March, and accordingly no big severe weather or winter weather issues are on the board. And, no sign of any late season freeze for now on the operational GFS runs after the middle of next week. However, we all know it will be hard to get through the rest of the month without at least one severe weather threat, or freeze threat.

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Look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 3:30 this afternoon… enjoy the day!

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