Holiday Day by Day Forecast: The AlabamaWX Afternoon Video Briefing

A MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE FORECAST
It’s Christmas Eve, and whether you’re out finishing last-minute shopping, attending candlelight services, or gathering with family, today’s weather will cooperate beautifully. Sunshine will dominate the day across Central Alabama, with just a few high clouds sneaking into the Tennessee Valley and a rogue patch of clouds over Marion County earlier this morning. Highs will climb to near seasonal levels, in the upper 50s, perfect for those running errands or preparing for Santa’s arrival tonight. Winds will remain light from the east at 3-6 mph, keeping the day calm and pleasant.

DRY CHRISTMAS DAY, A FEW SHOWERS POSSIBLE LATE
Christmas Day will start off mostly sunny, but clouds will increase during the afternoon as Alabama sits on the edge of high pressure centered to our east. Morning lows will dip into the chilly 30s, so bundle up for any early festivities. Highs will rebound to around 60 degrees, making for a mild and comfortable holiday. Showers are unlikely during the day, but there’s a slight chance of a light shower late Wednesday evening, primarily in western portions of the state. Rain amounts will be minimal, less than 0.05 inches, so travel plans and holiday gatherings should remain largely unaffected.

THURSDAY: A MIX OF CLOUDS, A FEW GUSTY WINDS
Thursday brings a chance of an early shower, particularly in western Alabama, as a weakening disturbance passes to the northwest. Otherwise, expect a mix of clouds and some sunshine. Morning lows will hover around the lower and middle 40s, with afternoon highs again approaching 60 degrees. Gusty east-southeast winds up to 16 mph will make it feel a bit cooler, but will be actually bringing in warmer air. While the day will remain mostly dry, keep an eye on eastern Texas and northwest Louisiana, where a marginal severe weather threat is expected, including the possibility of a tornado or two.

FRIDAY: CLOUDS AND RAIN CHANCES RETURN
Friday will be mostly cloudy, with a chance of showers increasing during the afternoon, especially across northwest Alabama. The Birmingham Bowl, scheduled for Friday afternoon, should see mostly cloudy skies and only a slight chance of a passing shower, with game-time temperatures near 61 degrees. A southeast breeze at 10-14 mph, with gusts up to 24 mph, will be noticeable at times. Rain totals will remain modest during the day but could increase to 0.75 inches in northwest areas overnight.

SATURDAY: RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS DEVELOP
Rain and thunderstorms will become more widespread Saturday as high pressure to our east weakens and a line of storms moves into the area. Morning lows will start mild in the lower and middle 50s, with highs climbing to a warm 66 degrees. Showers and storms are likely during the day, with a more organized line of storms arriving Saturday evening. While the atmosphere will be moist, with dewpoints in the low 60s, severe weather appears unlikely at this time. However, some stronger storms with heavy rain are possible, so stay weather-aware if you have plans Saturday.

SUNDAY: CLEARING OUT, SOME SHOWERS LINGER
The rain area will begin to exit on Sunday, but a few lingering showers are possible during the morning. Conditions will improve by afternoon, with some clearing and partly cloudy skies. Morning lows will be around 54 degrees, and highs will reach a pleasant 65 degrees. Winds will shift to the south-southwest at 6-10 mph, with occasional gusts up to 17 mph, helping to dry things out as the day progresses.

MONDAY: A BRIEF RESPITE
Monday will offer a break from the active weather pattern, with a mix of sunshine and clouds. Morning lows will dip to 44 degrees, but highs will rise to a mild 66 degrees, making for a great day to enjoy outdoor activities or prepare for New Year’s festivities. Clouds will begin to increase by evening as another system approaches, bringing rain chances back into the forecast late Monday night.

TUESDAY AND NEW YEAR’S EVE: COOLER AND DRIER
Tuesday, New Year’s Eve, will see lingering rain from the previous night clearing out early, except in the Tennessee Valley, where clouds may hang tough through the day. Morning lows will start cooler at 43 degrees, and highs will only reach 57 degrees as a northwest breeze at 10-15 mph adds a chill. The final evening of 2024 looks dry and cooler, setting the stage for a pleasant transition into the new year.

THE WEEK AHEAD
The pattern remains active as we head into January, with additional systems lined up to bring rain chances on Friday, January 2nd, Saturday, January 3rd, and Tuesday, January 7th. While temperatures will remain above seasonal averages, providing no hope for snow enthusiasts, the wet pattern could bring much-needed rainfall to areas still experiencing drought conditions. Stay tuned for updates as the forecast evolves!

BEACH FORECAST
For those spending Christmas by the coast, the beaches of Alabama and Northwest Florida will enjoy mostly sunny skies today, with highs in the mid-60s and light east winds around 10 mph. Surf heights remain around 1 foot, with a low rip current risk. Tonight will be partly cloudy with lows in the mid-50s. Christmas Day will see partly sunny skies, with highs in the mid-60s and a slight chance of showers in the afternoon. Surf heights will increase to 1-2 feet, and the rip current risk remains low. By midweek, surf heights will rise, and rain chances will increase, with moderate to high rip current risks expected by Thursday and Friday.

WEATHERBRAINS
The show released this morning is an excellent one, with Hurricane Track researcher Mark Sudduth joining us for a review of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Check out the show at www.WeatherBrains.com. You can also subscribe on iTunes. You can watch the show live on our new YouTube channel for the show and you can see the live show on the James Spann 24×7 weather channel on cable or directly over the air on the dot 2 feed.

ON THIS DATE IN 1988
An F4 tornado struck Williamson County, Tennessee, at 6:04 AM CST, cutting a 6-mile path with a width of 150 yards. Moving northeast at 45 mph, the tornado caused spotty but severe damage, finally lifting near the Brenthaven area of Brentwood.

The storm inflicted approximately $8 million in property damage, destroying or damaging 54 homes, 13 apartment units, 31 businesses, and 6 parked airplanes. The worst destruction occurred along General George Patton Drive to Moores Lane, where businesses and the Brentwood Pointe condos were heavily impacted. One man was killed when the roof of his home collapsed, and seven others were injured.

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