Midday Nowcast: Cold Weather Is Here; Winter Weather Mischief Likely Friday

COLD WEATHER IS HERE: Temperatures are holding in the 30s today, and an icy north wind has wind chills below freezing. Lingering moisture is allowing for some snow flurries to fly through the air across the northern half of Alabama, but no travel impacts will occur. Tonight will be cold and windy with lows in the 20s, wind chills could certainly dip into the single digits at times.

BIRMINGHAM ALMANAC: For January 6th, the average high for Birmingham is 54° and the average low is 35°. The record high is 73° set in 1989, while the record low is 4° set in 1924. We average 0.16” of precipitation on this date and the record value is 2.68” set in 2009.

SUNNY, COLD DAYS: Tomorrow through Thursday expect cold days with highs in the upper 30s to lower 40s, despite tons of sunshine. Nights will feature lows in 20s and upper teens.

WINTER WEATHER MISCHIEF: Cold air is in place and now we have to watch any chance of precipitation moving into the region, and that looks like it will occur on Friday as a surface low develops along the Louisiana coast.

With all the ingredients coming together, our chance of winter weather mischief is increasing. Here is what we are expecting at this point:

This will be a Friday event… a mix of snow, freezing rain, and possibly some sleet will begin during the pre-dawn hours Friday, while temperatures are below freezing. Some travel impacts are very possible, if not likely Friday morning across portions of the northern half of the state. Temperatures should slowly warm into the mid 30s during the day Friday, so the it should become a rain and sleet event, but surface temperatures should be above freezing. However, some snow or freezing rain issues could continue much of the day over the Tennessee Valley of North Alabama.

Snow potential for the Tennessee Valley for now is 1-3 inches with lighter amounts to the south (1/2 to 1 inch for places like Birmingham). The precipitation ends Friday evening, but we could see snow flurries or snow showers on Saturday on the back side of the departing storm system. We also note, temperatures will fall back below freezing Friday night, so icy travel is likely Friday night and into early Saturday.

As with any winter weather precipitation forecast in the Deep South, this forecast will change in the coming days, so make sure you are getting the most up-to-date forecast. As we get closer to the event, we will have a better understanding of how the event should play out.

Saturday and Sunday will remain cold with highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s. The cold weather will continue into next week as the pattern will continue allow for below-average temperatures. And again with cold air remaining in place, we may have to deal with more winter weather mischief in the coming weeks.

COLD WEATHER SAFETY: Everyone should review their cold weather safety involving pipes, pets, home heating, and people. 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. For alternative heating sources like space heaters and wood stoves, have a 3-foot zone around and follow safety instructions. Utilize carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. For people, dress in layers and minimize exposed skin. Limit time outdoors if not prepared. Check on those without sufficient heating.

WORLD TEMPERATURE EXTREMES: Over the last 24 hours, the highest observation outside the U.S. was 111.0F at Birdsville Airport, Australia. The lowest observation was -60.5F at Suhana, Russia.

CONTIGUOUS TEMPERATURE EXTREMES: Over the last 24 hours, the highest observation was 93F at McAllen, TX. The lowest observation was -21F at Forest Center, MN.

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