Shot Of Cold Air On The Way

| November 3, 2010 @ 3:05 pm | 5 Replies

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THIS AFTERNOON: As expected, the most widespread rain is on the western side of the state. While most spots have seen amounts under 1/4 inch today, there have been a few exceptions. In fact, our Skywatcher near Millport, in Lamar County, is now reporting a two-day storm total of 3.57″! Temperatures are in the 50s, and the air is stable meaning no significant risk of thunderstorms, just periods of light rain continuing through tonight.

TOMORROW AND FRIDAY: The 12 GFS has come in with a stronger upper trough setting up over the eastern quarter of the nation. It is also a little slower ending the rain… so it looks like there could be some lingering light rain early tomorrow morning east of I-65, but all of the precipitation should be gone by late morning. Morning clouds should give way to some afternoon sunshine tomorrow with a high at or just over 60.

Friday will be a colder, blustery day. North winds of 15-25 mph will usher in the coldest air so far this season, and it sure looks like a number of North Alabama communities will hold in the 40s all day. The 12Z GFS even shows some wrap around moisture moving back into Northeast Alabama, and even hints at snow flurries over parts of East Tennessee, and down into Lookout Mountain in DeKalb County Alabama. Nothing to get excited about, but certainly a sign we are really getting into the cold weather season now. We will it partly sunny on Friday, with potential for low clouds over Jackson, DeKalb, and Cherokee Counties of Northeast Alabama. I am not sure Mentone (atop Lookout Mountain) can rise about 45 degrees Friday with a very chilly north wind making it feel even colder.

OUR WEEKEND: The 12Z GFS is colder for the weekend. The model is printing 29 degrees at Birmingham… we figure most spots will see a low between 25 and 30, our first widespread freeze of the season. Sunday morning should be just as cold with a clear sky and light wind. Expect a bright sunny sky Saturday and Sunday. The high Saturday will be in the mid 50s, and close to 60 Sunday.

NEXT WEEK: Dry weather continues for the first half of the week, with highs in the 60s, and lows in the mid to upper 30s. There is some hint at some light rain toward the end of the week, but at this point it doesn’t look like a major rain event.

THE LAND OF VOODOO: Global models continue to hint at a potential significant rain event at mid-month in the November 15-17 time frame… the last few GFS runs have suggested an overrunning type event with a low in the Gulf, meaning plenty of rain, but no severe weather. Way too early to be specific. See the Weather Xtreme video for details.

TROPICS: Tomas in the Caribbean is expected to regain tropical storm status tonight… the good news is that NHC is now forecasting the system to remain below hurricane strength as it moves over Haiti late in the week. See the Weather Xtreme video for the graphics.

STORM ALERT XTREME: Our annual storm spotter training is coming up November 13 at the BJCC, as part of the Alabama International Auto show. We begin at 9:00, and you will be done at 2:00. And, as a “thank you”, you will get free admission into the car show. There is no cost, and no need to register, just show up. Brian Peters will be the trainer, and we ask all existing and potential Skywatchers to attend. See you there!

WEATHER BRAINS: Don’t forget you can listen to our weekly 30 minute netcast anytime on the web, or on iTunes. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including our meteorologists here at ABC 33/40.

I had a great time today visiting the 3rd graders at Moundville Elementary… be looking for them on the Pepsi KIDCAM today at 5:00 on ABC 33/40 News. The next Weather Xtreme video will be posted by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow…

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Category: Alabama's Weather

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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.

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