Mostly Dry Week Ahead; Frost Possible Early Thursday
PLEASANT SPRING WEATHER CONTINUES: Dry air covers Alabama this morning… we expect a good supply of sunshine today with a high in the low 70s. Tomorrow will be partly to mostly sunny with a high in the 72-75 degree range, still a little below average for mid-April.
A significant cold front will pass through the state late tomorrow night and early Wednesday. A sprinkle or two is possible over the Tennessee Valley of North Alabama, but this will be a mostly dry frontal passage with very little moisture to work with. Wednesday will be breezy and noticeably cooler… areas north of Birmingham won’t get out of the 50s despite a clearing sky.
FROST EARLY THURSDAY: With a clear sky and light wind, radiational cooling will bring temperatures down into the 30s over much of North and Central Alabama early Thursday morning. This kind of setup always brings a big temperature range, with variations mostly due to elevation. Most places will stay above freezing with a low in the 33-42 degree range, but a few colder spots (like Valley Head and Black Creek) could hit 32 degrees or lower. Frost is likely, even down into a few pockets over South Alabama.
Thursday will be sunny with a high in the low 60s, and we stay dry Friday with a partly sunny sky along with a high in the low 70s.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: A potent storm system will bring rain and thunderstorms Saturday. A good soaking is likely, with amounts of 1-2 inches likely. There could be some potential for strong thunderstorms, but the thermodynamic environment is questionable at this point. Then, dry air returns Sunday with a good supply of sunshine along with a high in the 70s.
NEXT WEEK: An upper ridge builds over the region early in the week, which should help temperatures reach the low 80s. Much of the week looks dry, but a cold front will bring some risk of showers late Thursday or Friday. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.
ON THIS DATE IN 1986: A major storm system produced ten tornadoes in Texas. One of these tornadoes virtually annihilated the town of Sweetwater. The tornado struck at the unlikely time of 7:17 am. One person was killed, and 100 were injured.
ON THIS DATE IN 2020: An early morning severe thunderstorm produced extensive wind damage across parts of Central Alabama. It began in Chilton County (just west of Thorsby and Jemison) where maximum winds were estimated in the range of 80 to 90 MPH. The wind damage continued eastward through Coosa County & Tallapoosa County, where maximum winds were estimated in the range of 70 to 80 MPH. The damage was the result of straight-line wind consisting of numerous snapped and uprooted hardwood/softwood trees, trees falling onto structures, and trees falling onto campers, especially notable in Wind Creek State Park where several were crushed.
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Look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 3:00 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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