Freeze Warning Tonight

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LONG NIGHT AHEAD FOR GROWERS: We are still projecting lows in the 25 to 35 degree range for most of North-Central Alabama early tomorrow morning with a clear sky and light wind. The colder readings will be in the lower valleys… some of the ridgetops will stay above freezing, but even there frost is likely. A freeze warning remains in effect for most of Alabama, and many communities will be below freezing for around 3 hours, generally between 4 and 7 a.m.

Birmingham’s record low for April 16, 32 set in 1983, is very much in danger. This won’t be the latest freeze on record, however… that came on April 23, 1986 when the low in Birmingham was 30.

Chilton County Peach Farmer Paul Knight told ABC 33/40 News today…

The freeze that we had a couple of weeks ago wiped out about 40% of the early crops for Chilton County, and a freeze tonight could bring that number up to a 60% loss. Some farms in lower elevations could be wiped out completely. The early crop is where farmers make most of their money due to demands on the market. He also said that the real damage may not show up for weeks or even months from now. And if the temperatures stay below freezing for more than an hour they could see a total loss on all crops.

About 110,000 styrofoam cups are being placed over tomato plants atop Chandler Mountain at K&B Farms to protect them from freezing temperatures tonight… photo below is from @tracygcash

Tomorrow will be a sunny day with a high in the mid 60s as a warming trend begins.

THURSDAY MORNING: We need to mention that we expect mid to upper 30s across the colder pockets of North/Central Alabama at daybreak Thursday, and some frost is possible. Won’t be as cold as early tomorrow, but growers need to be aware of the potential.

Thursday will be another sunny day with a high in the upper 60s.

SOME RAIN FRIDAY: A disturbance will bring the risk of showers to Alabama Friday, but with weak dynamics and limited moisture, rain should be light and spotty. Amounts will be generally under 1/4 inch, and a decent part of the day will be dry.

EASTER WEEKEND: Looks very nice. Mostly sunny mild days, fair cool nights. Highs in the mid 70s, lows in the 50s.

We will bring in the chance of some rain early next week on Monday, but at this point it doesn’t look like a heavy rain or severe weather threat. See the Weather Xtreme video for the maps, graphics, and details.

AT THE BEACH: Lots of sun tomorrow from Panama City over to Gulf Shores with a high in the upper 60s on the immediate coast. A few widely scattered showers are possible Thursday and Friday, then expect mostly sunny weather over the weekend. Highs Saturday and Sunday on the coast will be in the low 70s, with mid 70s inland. The sea water temperature at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab this afternoon is 65 degrees.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR WEATHER RADIO? We will be at Academy Sports on Skyland Blvd in Tuscaloosa tomorrow from 3:30 until 6:30… we will program your weather radio, or be glad to answer questions if you have them.

WEATHER BRAINS: Don’t forget you can listen to our weekly 90 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.

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I had a great time today visiting the kindergarten kids at Paine Primary School in Trussville, and the first graders at Alexandria Elementary School in Calhoun County. Be looking for them on the Pepsi KIDCAM today at 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. on ABC 33/40 News! The next Weather Xtreme video will be posted here by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow….

Tags: freeze

Category: Alabama's Weather