Warmer This Weekend; Rain Christmas Day
WARMER BY THE WEEKEND: Much of Alabama is below freezing again this morning with temperatures mostly in the 25-35 degree range. Mobile is the exception where they are in the low 40s. The sky will be partly to mostly sunny today with a high in the 50s. The average high for Birmingham on December 20 is 56.
Dry weather continues through Saturday with a slow warming trend. Temperatures reach the 60s statewide this weekend, with potential for low 70s near the Gulf Coast. Clouds will increase Sunday, and new will mention the chance of a few showers during the day. Initially over the southwest counties, then spreading northward late in the day and Sunday night.
WET CHRISTMAS: Rain is likely across all of Alabama on Monday, and with limited instability available there could be a rumble of thunder in spots (but severe storms are not expected). Most communities will see a high in the low 60s Christmas Day, about 8 degrees above average for December 25. Rain amounts Sunday night and Monday are expected to be in the 1-2 inch range for much of the state, with potential for a little over two inches for South Alabama.
REST OF NEXT WEEK: A slot of drier air works into the Deep South Tuesday; the sky will be partly sunny with a high in the 60-65 degree range. For now the rest of the week looks dry with a cooling trend; highs drop into the 47-54 degree range by Friday. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
FOOTBALL WEATHER: For Saturday’s Birmingham Bowl (Troy vs Duke, 11a CT kickoff at Protective Stadium)… the sky will be partly sunny with temperatures rising from near 60 at kickoff into the mid 60s by the final whistle. A very comfortable day.
ON THIS DATE IN 1836: A famous “sudden freeze” occurred in central Illinois. A cold front with 70 mph winds swept through around Noon, dropping the temperature from 40 degrees to near zero in a matter of minutes. Many settlers froze to death. Folklore told of chickens frozen in their tracks and men frozen to saddles. Ice in streams reportedly froze to six inches in a few hours.
ON THIS DATE IN 1977: A “Once in a Lifetime” wind and dust storm struck the south end of the San Joaquin Valley in California. Winds reached 88 mph at Arvin before the anemometer broke, and gusts were estimated at 192 mph at Arvin by a U.S. Geological Survey. Meadows Field in Bakersfield recorded sustained 46 mph winds with a gust of 63 mph. The strong winds generated a wall of dust resembling a tidal wave that was 5,000 feet high over Arvin. Blowing sand stripped painted surfaces to bare metal and trapped people in vehicles for several hours.
Look for the next video briefing here by 3:00 this afternoon… enjoy the day!
Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Weather Xtreme Videos
About the Author (Author Profile)
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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