Midday Nowcast: Temperatures Taking a Tumble, Setting Up a Cold Weekend for Alabama

HAPPY THANKSGIVING: The rain and storms are out of here and the cold front is making its way through the state. This afternoon, temperatures are falling as a much drier and colder air mass blows into the state. After starting the day in the 60s, we are seeing 50s and 40s this afternoon with a brisk north wind. The sky will gradually clear later this afternoon and into tonight. Tonight will be mostly clear and cold with lows ranging from the upper 20s to the north, to low and mid 30s for Central Alabama.

BIRMINGHAM ALMANAC: For November 28th, the average high for Birmingham is 61° and the average low is 40°. The record high is 77° set in 1908, while the record low is 18° set in 2013. We average 0.15” of precipitation on this date, and the record value is 4.15” set in 1948.

TOMORROW AND THE WEEKEND: The coldest air so far this season settles into the Deep South as we head into the weekend. The weather will be dry with mainly sunny days and fair nights, but temperatures will struggle to climb out of the 40s over the northern half of the state tomorrow and both days this weekend. For the southern counties of the state expect 50s to be more common.

A freeze is likely pretty much statewide by Saturday morning with many places in the 20s. It is that time of the year to focus on the 4 Ps: People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants as everyone should review their cold weather safety involving the 4 Ps.

Any sensitive vegetation needs to be taken indoors or covered. For pipes, insulate, drain, or allow water to drip from the faucet at a trickle for pipes located in exposed or unheated locations. Not all pets can handle cold weather. Bring your pets indoors whenever possible or provide a warm and safe location. And finally, for people, dress in layers and minimize exposed skin. Limit time outdoors if not prepared. Check on those who may not have sufficient heating. For alternative heating sources like space heaters and wood stoves, have a 3-foot zone around and follow safety instructions. Utilize carbon monoxide detectors.

IRON BOWL: The weather will be cold and dry Saturday in Tuscaloosa for this year’s Iron Bowl (Auburn at Alabama, 2:30p CT kickoff). The sky will be sunny, and temperatures will drop from near 48° at kickoff to near 40° by the final whistle.

COLD START TO DECEMBER: A secondary surge of cold air arrives late Sunday, and for Monday and Tuesday most places will remain in the 40s for highs, while lows in the 20s are expected all the way down to the Gulf Coast. Colder spots across North Alabama are likely to reach the upper teens early Monday morning. For the second half of next week, highs begin to rise a bit, with 50s expected, but these temperatures remain below average for early December. The air will be dry and there is no risk of any precipitation for most of the week.

IN THE TROPICS: The Atlantic Basin is quiet, with no tropical development expected and we are likely done with tropical systems this year. Hurricane season ends this Sunday November 30th.

WORLD TEMPERATURE EXTREMES: Over the last 24 hours, the highest observation outside the U.S. was 108.3F at Tete, Mozambique. The lowest observation was -66.8F at Summit, Greenland.

CONTIGUOUS TEMPERATURE EXTREMES: Over the last 24 hours, the highest observation was 91F at Hidalgo, TX. The lowest observation was -28F at Peter Sinks, UT.

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