Cold Weekend Ahead; Much Warmer Next Week
BACK INTO THE DEEP FREEZE: It is a mostly sunny, chilly afternoon across Alabama with temperatures in the 30s over the northern countries, with 40s to the south. A hard freeze is likely tonight; expect 10-15 degrees over North Alabama… 20s are likely all the way down to the Gulf Coast.
Tomorrow will be a sunny but very cold day; the northern half of the state will stay below freezing all day. Highs will be in the mid to upper 30s for the southern counties. Then, after another hard freeze early Sunday morning, a warming trend begins with highs in the 40s by Sunday afternoon. The air will stay dry and the sky will remain sunny.
NEXT WEEK: We have a major pattern flip next week, setting the stage for much warmer weather. Highs will be in the 60s over the latter half of week, with 70s likely for the southern quarter of Alabama. Monday will be dry, but a very wet period will begin Tuesday. We will have periods of rain Tuesday all the way through Saturday (January 27), with rain amounts in the 2-4 inch range for most of the state.
And, long range guidance suggests temperatures will be a little above average into the first few days of February. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
DROUGHT MONITOR: The new drought monitor released yesterday shows 64 percent of Alabama remaining in a drought, but conditions continue to improve. The big rains expected next week will continue to put a dent in the drought.
ON THIS DATE IN 1961: Eight inches of snow fell and caused crippling traffic jams around the Washington D.C. area on the eve of John Kennedy’s inauguration. The president-elect had to cancel dinner plans and, in a struggle to keep other commitments, reportedly had only 4 hours of sleep. Former President Herbert Hoover was unable to fly into Washington National Airport due to the weather, and he had to miss the swearing-in ceremony.
ON THIE DATE IN 1977: Snow fell in South Florida for the first time in recorded history.
ON THIS DATE IN 2019: Four tornadoes moved through Central Alabama, including an EF-2 that moved through Wetumpka, injuring four people. The First Presbyterian Church was destroyed.
Look for my next video briefing here by 6:00 a.m. Monday… enjoy the weekend!
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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