Patchy Light Rain Today; A Mostly Dry Weekend Ahead
CLOUDY, COOL DAY: We will mention scattered light rain in the forecast today, but like the system this past Wednesday many Alabama communities won’t have enough rain to measure due to limited moisture. Otherwise, today will be mostly cloudy and cool with a high between 50 and 55 degrees.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: An upper trough will swing through the state tomorrow; the day begins with a cloudy sky and a risk of isolated showers. Then, partial clearing begins by afternoon as drier air works in from the west. The high tomorrow will be in the mid to upper 50s. Then, Sunday promises to be a delightful day with ample sunshine and a high in the low 60s.
NEXT WEEK: Look for a spring preview Monday… the sky will be partly to mostly sunny with a high between 65 and 70 degrees. Clouds increase Monday night, and we will bring in a chance of showers Tuesday as moisture levels rise. The weather stays mild with a high in the upper 60s.
SPC has defined a severe weather risk for much of Alabama Wednesday and Wednesday night in their “Day 6” outlook…
Models have trended toward higher surface based instability values by Wednesday, and with a storm system approaching with strong wind fields, that will set the stage for some risk of strong or severe thunderstorms. It is way too early to resolve specific details of this event, including the timing and magnitude of the threat. Just something to watch for now.
Rain amounts Tuesday and Wednesday will be in the 1 to 2 inch range… then cooler, drier air returns to the state Thursday and Friday. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.
Still no sign of any bitterly cold, Arctic air for Alabama for the next seven to ten days as the Arctic Oscillation remains strongly positive.
RAIN UPDATE: Birmingham’s rain total for the month of January as of early this morning is 7.82″, 3.15″ above average. South Alabama has been much drier, however… Mobile’s total is 4.43″, 1.03″ below average.
ON THIS DATE IN 1989: The barometric pressure at Norway, Alaska reached 31.85 inches (1078.4 mb) establishing an all-time record for the North American Continent. The temperature at the time of the record was about 46 degrees below zero. Severe arctic cold began to invade the north central U.S. The temperature at Grand Fall, Montana plunged 85 degrees in 36 hours. Valentine, Nebraska plummeted from a record high of 70 degrees to zero in just nine hours. Northwest winds gusted to 86 mph at Lander WY, and wind chill readings of 80 degrees below zero were reported in Montana. Sixty-four cities in the central U.S. reported record highs for the date as readings reached the 60s in Michigan and the 80s in Kansas.
STORM SPOTTER TRAINING: Our annual storm spotter training is Saturday, February 8 at the Hoover Met. It begins at 9:30; and there is no cost. We will offer both the basic and advanced training sessions… we expect to wrap up by 2:30. No need to register; just show up with a curious mind. We need more trained storm spotters! Help us make the warning process better!
BEACH FORECAST: Click here to see the AlabamaWx Beach Forecast Center page.
WEATHER BRAINS: Don’t forget you can listen to our weekly 90 minute show anytime on your favorite podcast app. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including our meteorologists here at ABC 33/40.
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Look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 4:00 this afternoon… enjoy the day!
Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Weather Xtreme Videos
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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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