Summer Preview Continues
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WARM START TO APRIL: Yesterday’s high in Birmingham (based on data at the Airport) was 85 degrees… missing the record high of 85 (set in 1974) by just one. Today’s record high is 85 degrees (set in 2006), and that one is in danger for sure as we expect mid 80s again today. The average high for April 2 is 71, so we are running about 15 degrees above that level.
The upper ridge remains strong, and we don’t expect any rain around here today with a good supply of sunshine through scattered cumulus clouds.
MID-WEEK: An upper low to the west will creep along in our direction as the upper ridge breaks down slowly. We will mention some risk of thunderstorm tomorrow afternoon, but they will be scattered, and mainly over the western half of the state. Where they do form tomorrow, storms could pack a punch with a chance of hail and gusty winds.
The best coverage of showers and storms could very well be on Wednesday as the ULL gets closer. Thankfully it will be weakening, and a major severe weather problem isn’t likely, but there will be certainly sufficient instability for strong storms with the main risk coming from hail and gusty winds. The tornado threat seems very low, but considering the time of year you always have to watch the storms pretty closely.
We will hang on to a risk of showers and thunderstorms on Thursday as well, and once again a strong storm sure can’t be ruled out.
FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: A dry slot moves into Alabama on Good Friday, and it looks like the day will be mostly sunny and cooler and maximum temps dropping back into the 70s. The Easter weekend looks delightful, with sunny pleasant days and clear cool nights. Highs in the 70s, and lows mostly in the 50s. Many of the cooler spots will drop into the 40s at daybreak Saturday, but the idea of a frost or freeze is clearly off the table now.
NEXT WEEK AND BEYOND: The weather stays dry Monday; a slow moving cold front to the north could bring some risk of showers and storms back to Alabama by mid-week. And, no sign now of any frost threat through mid-Month. I am very hesitant to say the risk of frost had ended for the season; we have had a freeze as late as April 23 in Alabama, but odds now are much, much lower with the risk of a cold snap ending for the Easter weekend. See the Weather Xtreme video for details and more long range ideas.
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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.Subscribe
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