Stormy Start

Well, I had the elements for the Weather Xtreme video all ready to go for production, but severe weather erupted and I won’t be able to get it done due to all of the other chores we have to handle when things break loose. So, here is a general discussion and update at daybreak….

SEVERE WEATHER RISK: As you can see from the post below this one, a tornado watch has been issued for much of Central Alabama until 12:00 noon. We have a well defined cold front this morning across our state… lined up from near Reform to Jasper to Oneonta to Gadsden. North of this boundary, the air is stable with temperatures in the 50s… but to the south, surface based CAPE values are running from 500 to 1000 j/kg, and there is an adequate degree of low level helicity. Sure doesn’t look like a major outbreak in the classic sense, but when it comes to thunderstorms in Alabama, expect the unexpected.

COOLEST AIR SO FAR: Look for a major change to cooler weather tomorrow. A brisk northwest wind will usher in the coolest air so far this season, with highs only in the 70s despite the return of sunshine. Friday will be even cooler with a high in the mid 60s.

OUR WEEKEND: We will begin the weekend with a frosty morning. Early Saturday, most places will see a low in the 35 to 39 degree range with a good chance of frost. The colder valleys will see freezing temperatures, and the coldest spots could reach the upper 20s. The weather Saturday and Sunday will be bright and sunny with a high in the low 70s. Just about perfect for the races at Talladega, football, trick or treating, or anything else you are interested in doing.

NEXT WEEK: While we stay dry Monday, the medium range global computer models suggest our next chance of rain and storms will come on Tuesday of next week. A little too early to determine if we will have another severe weather threat.

Hopefully I will be able to crank up a Weather Xtreme video this afternoon… see the NWS is about to issue a TOR warning for Chilton. Details coming up

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