Warm Today; Showers Early Tomorrow

SUMMER PREVIEW: We project a high between 81 and 85 degrees with a good supply of sunshine for much of North/Central Alabama today, easily making it the warmest day so far this year. So far, Birmingham’s warmest days came on March 9 and 10 when the high was 79 (based on data from the airport, where records are kept).

TONIGHT/TOMORROW: Clouds will increase tonight ahead of a cold front, and we will insert the chance of showers in the forecast after midnight tonight and early tomorrow. Seems like the best window for rain comes form about 2:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. Amounts will be generally 1/4 inch or less, and there is no risk of severe weather (probably no thunder).

Then, after those early morning showers, the sky becomes sunny tomorrow with a high in the mid 70s.

THURSDAY/FRIDAY: Models continue to trend much drier on Thursday, and we have removed the risk of rain from the forecast. These two days now look dry with a partly to mostly sunny sky along with a cooling trend. The high Thursday will be in the low 70s, dropping into the mid 60s Friday. Any showers should be confined to far South Alabama, especially near the Gulf Coast.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Another forecast amendment… we have removed any risk of rain for Saturday. It now looks like a cool, dry airmass will take over, with mostly sunny days and clear cold nights. We drop into the upper 30s Saturday morning, and mid 30s are likely early Sunday. Colder valleys could see a freeze, and many places will experience frost at daybreak Sunday… growers beware. Afternoon temperatures will peak in the low 60s Saturday, and mid to upper 50s Sunday with a cool north breeze.

Monday morning will also be cold with lows down in the 30s, and again a risk of a freeze for colder spots, and frost elsewhere across North/Central Alabama.

NEXT WEEK: The first half of the week looks dry with a warming trend; the GFS hints at a system that could bring strong storms by Thursday (March 24). See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

AT THE BEACH: Mostly sunny today on the coast from Gulf Shores over to Panama City Beach, but showers/storms are possible tomorrow and Thursday. Highs on the immediate coast will be in the 60s (due to those cool ocean water temperatures in the mid 60s), but 70s and 80s are likely inland. See a very detailed Gulf Coast forecast here.

STORM SPOTTER TRAINING: We are offering basic SKYWARN training at several locations across North/Central Alabama in March, followed by the big event, Storm Spotter Xtreme on Saturday, April 9 at the BJCC from 9am to 2pm. This will feature both the basic and advanced SKYWARN classes, along with a session from Kevin Laws of the Birmingham NWS office. And, if you come, you get free admission to the Alabama International Auto Show, going on at the BJCC that same day. There is no cost and no need to register. Just show up with a curious mind. Kids 10 and older will also enjoy this if they love weather and want to learn more. Please help us make the severe weather warning process better!

We will be in Cullman this evening… hope to see many of you there!

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. Scroll down for the show notes on the new episode we recorded last night.

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I have a weather program today for the kindergarten/pre-school at First Baptist Church of Columbiana… look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 4:00 this afternoon. Enjoy the day!

Tags: ANC, warm

Category: Alabama's Weather