Raw, Cold, Damp Day
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AT DAYBREAK: Widespread rain is falling early this morning generally along and south of U.S. 278 (Hamilton to Cullman to Gadsden). We have had reports of sleet and some light snow on the northern periphery of the precipitation mass, but temperatures are above freezing, and I have no reports of any travel issues other than wet roads.
However, there is still some potential for isolated icy spots on bridges north of Birmingham over the next hour or two as temperatures drift down toward 32 degrees in a few places.
THE DAY AHEAD: Rain will end over the next few hours, otherwise the day will be breezy and much colder as we hover in the mid to upper 30s much of the day. Clearing should begin over the northern counties this afternoon, and where the sun can make an appearance we could see low 40s. One way or another it will be a very cold late February day.
TONIGHT: The sky becomes clear statewide, and the wind will die down, allowing temperatures to drop well below freezing. The 00Z GFS is printing a low of 18 degrees now for Birmingham early tomorrow; we figure the range will be generally from 16 to 22 degrees. The record low for February 27 is 15 degrees set in 1963 (in Birmingham); that is probably safe.
TOMORROW/FRIDAY: These two days should feature a good supply of sunshine with a warming trend. The high tomorrow will be around 50, followed by mid to upper 50s Friday afternoon. Clouds increase Friday night as a warm front pushes northward through Alabama, and a few sprinkles are possible in a few places late Friday night.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: The warm-up continues. Just a small risk of a shower or a sprinkle Saturday morning, otherwise the weekend looks dry with a mix of sun and clouds. We reach the mid 60s Saturday afternoon, with low 70s possible by Sunday. Clouds thicken late Sunday afternoon, and a few showers could reach our state Sunday night ahead of a storm system to the west.
NEXT WEEK: We will highlight a good chance of showers and thunderstorms Monday; at this point the severe weather threat looks relatively low. Colder air returns Tuesday and Wednesday; would not be surprised to see highs dropping into the 40s Tuesday and Wednesday, with lows well down in the 20s early Wednesday morning. See the Weather Xtreme video for the maps, graphics, and details.
STORM ALERT 2014 IN OXFORD THURSDAY: Our annual severe weather awareness show continues this week… we will be at Oxford High School Thursday night. The shows begin at 6:30; doors open at 5:00. Come meet the ABC 33/40 Weather Team, get some cool free stuff, see some great weather stories, and learn how to keep your family safe during the tornado season. Keep in mind the spring tornado season begins in just a few days (March, April, May). Hope to see you there.
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Another busy day ahead… I have weather programs at Piedmont Elementary and Middle Schools in Calhoun County, and then at Rocky Ridge Elementary in Hoover. Look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 4:00 this afternoon… enjoy the day…
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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