Much Cooler Friday; Still Dry
DROUGHT UPDATE: Today is the 45th consecutive day without measurable rain for Birmingham, and with no really significant chance showing up through the end of next week, it looks like we have a good chance of breaking the record dry spell; 52 consecutive days set in 1924.
Interesting to note that after the long dry spell in 1924, December was cold and wet; the rain total at Birmingham was 6.89″, and the high on Christmas Day was only 31 degrees that year after very warm weather in October and November (much like this year).
A no burn ban remains in effect, and water conservation is very important. Even things like taking shorter showers will help.
NOT AS WARM: With some mid and high level clouds today, temperatures are down, but still well above average. Most places are in the upper 70s and low 80s at mid-afternoon with a mix of sun and clouds.
A cold front will pass through tomorrow night in mostly dry fashion; we will mention only a small risk of a shower over far North Alabama.
BIG COOL DOWN FRIDAY AND OVER THE WEEKEND: Friday will be breezy and cooler with a high in the low to mid 70s, and the weekend will be delightful with sunny pleasant days and clear chilly nights. Highs Saturday and Sunday will remain in the 70-75 degree range, with lows well down in the 40s. Colder pockets should see 30s with potential for a bit of light frost.
FOOTBALL WEATHER: For round one of the high school playoff games Friday night, the weather will be clear and very cool with temperatures falling into the 50s; some stadiums could be in the 40s by the fourth quarter. You will need a jacket.
Auburn will host Vanderbilt Saturday (11a CT kickoff)… it will be a perfect day for football with a sunny sky… temperatures will climb from 67 at kickoff, to near 72 by the fourth quarter.
Alabama will be on the road; they play LSU Saturday night (7p CT kickoff)… the sky will be clear with temperatures falling through the 60s. A great night for football.
NEXT WEEK: Not much change. Mostly sunny days, fair nights. Highs in the 70s, lows in the 40s.
MID-MONTH PATTERN FLIP: Global models remain bullish on a major pattern change in 10-15 days that will bring rain back to Alabama and a much more active pattern.
The reliable European model still suggests over five inches of rain around here from mid-November through mid-December.
AT THE BEACH: Sunny days, clear nights on the coast from Gulf Shores to Panama City Beach through next week. Highs in the low 80s tomorrow, and in the 70s Friday and over the weekend. See a very detailed Gulf Coast forecast here.
TROPICS: A disturbance northeast of the Leeward Islands has a chance of slow development in coming days, but it will move northeast and is no threat to land. The rest of the Atlantic basin is quiet.
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 enjoyed seeing the 3rd graders today at Gwin Elementary in Hoover… 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 here by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow…
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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