One More Mild Day; A Few Showers Around

ONE MORE MILD DAY: We are starting the day with temperatures around 60 degrees early this morning; a dense fog advisory remains in effect for a decent part of the state. Temperatures reach the low 70s this afternoon in most places… we note Birmingham’s record high for December 18 is 76, set in 1908 and 1984. The average high for the date is 56.

A band of showers and thunderstorms will push into North Alabama later this morning ahead of a cold front; there is no risk of severe storms, and the showers will begin to fizzle out this afternoon as the main dynamic support lifts away from the region. Florence/Muscle Shoals could see 1/2 inch of rain this morning, but for the rest of the state rain amounts will be generally under a quarter of an inch. Some spots won’t see enough rain to measure.

COOLER: Cooler, drier air rolls into Alabama tonight; expect a good supply of sunshine tomorrow and Friday with highs dropping into the 50s for the northern 2/3 of the state; lows will dip into the 30s early Friday morning.

COLDER: Even colder air arrives over the weekend. Temperatures will be in the 25-32 degree range over North/Central Alabama early Saturday and Sunday morning. Temperatures won’t get out of the 40s Saturday… the high Sunday will be in the low to mid 50s.

CHRISTMAS WEEK: We project highs in the 50s Monday and Tuesday, followed by low 60s Wednesday, and mid 60s Thursday and Friday. Global models continue to suggest we will have some rain at times Tuesday night into Christmas Day, but probably nothing too heavy. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.

ON THIS DATE IN 1944: Typhoon Cobra, also known as the Typhoon of 1944 or Halsey’s Typhoon (named after Admiral William “Bull” Halsey), was the United States Navy designation for a tropical cyclone that struck the Task Force 38 in the during World War II in the Pacific. The typhoon was first observed on December 17 as it surprised a fleet of ships in the open waters of the western Pacific Ocean. Sustained winds associated with the storm were up to 100 mph with gusts to 140 mph. On December 18, the small but violent typhoon hit the Task Force while many of the ships were attempting to refuel. Due to the extreme seas and winds, three destroyers capsized and went down with practically all hands, while a cruiser, five aircraft carriers, and three destroyers suffered serious damage. Approximately 790 officers and men were lost or killed with another 80 injured.

Look for the next video briefing here by 3:00 this afternoon… enjoy the day!

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