Big Warm-Up Today; Rain Returns Friday
ANOTHER COLD START: Temperatures are in the 30s across much of Alabama early this morning, and a few colder spots have reached the freezing mark again. But, expect a very nice warm-up today… with ample sunshine we expect a high in the low 70s this afternoon. The weather stays dry tomorrow with a high in the mid 70s.
FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: Clouds will increase tomorrow night, and rain becomes widespread across Alabama Friday and Friday night. The air will be cool and stable (the high will be in the low 60s), so no risk of severe storms, and probably very little thunder. Rain amounts will be 1/2 to 1 inch for most communities.
The latest model data suggests clouds will likely linger into Saturday, and we will need to mention some risk of lingering showers over the eastern half of the state during the morning. The high Saturday will be in the mid 60s, about five degrees below average for late March. Then, Sunday will be a sunny day with a high in the low 70s following a morning low in the 37-44 degree range.
NEXT WEEK: After a dry day Monday, showers and possibly a few thunderstorms return to the state Tuesday. Models show little to no surface based instability, so for now it doesn’t look like a severe weather setup. Then, after a dry day Wednesday, and upper trough could bring a few showers to the state Thursday. Afternoon highs through the week will be generally between 65 and 72 degrees… See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
ON THIS DATE IN 1948: An F3 tornado tracked through Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City just before 10 pm destroying 54 aircraft, including 17 transport planes valued at $500,000 apiece. The total damage amounted to more than $10 million, a record for the state that stood until the massive tornado outbreak of 5/3/1999.
Major Ernest W. Fawbush and Captain Robert C. Miller were ordered to see if operationally forecasting tornadoes were possible. The tornado prompted the first attempt at tornado forecasting. Forecasters at Tinker believed conditions were again favorable for tornadoes and issued the first recorded tornado forecast. Five days later, on 3/25 at 6 pm, a forecasted tornado occurred, crossing the prepared base, and the damage was minimized. The successful, albeit somewhat lucky forecast, paved the way for tornado forecasts to be issued by the U.S. Weather Bureau after a lengthy ban.
ON THIS DATE IN 1998: A deadly tornado outbreak occurred over portions of the southeastern United States on this day. Particularly hard hit were rural areas outside of Gainesville, Georgia, where at least 12 people were killed during the early morning hours. The entire outbreak killed 14 people and produced 12 tornadoes across three states. The town of Stoneville, North Carolina, hard hit by the storms.
Look for the next video briefing 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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