Bitterly Cold Air For Alabama Next Week

**No afternoon Weather Xtreme video today as we are on a holiday schedule; the next video will be posted tomorrow morning, and we go back to the “two a day” schedule Thursday**

I think we need to go ahead and raise the flag about the potential for bitterly cold air next week (thus, the headline of this post), but let’s talk about short term weather first.

THIS AFTERNOON: The sub-tropical jet stream is hanging tough over Alabama. Clouds have thinned, and some are seeing filtered sunshine, but the sky is generally cloudy with temperatures mostly in the 40s.

High clouds will stick around tonight and tomorrow… at least tomorrow will be warmer with temperatures reaching the mid 50s.

Way down south, some light rain is falling near the Alabama coast.

MORE RAIN: Periods of rain will continue over South Alabama tonight, tomorrow, and into Thursday, and that rain will move up into our part of the state late tomorrow night. We project the main window for rain for our part of the state (Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Anniston, Gadsden, etc) between 2:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Thursday.

Rain amounts of 1/4 to 1/2 inch are likely for North-Central Alabama, with heavier totals over the southern counties. The air will be cool and stable, so no thunder. Just good ole fashioned rain.

FALLING TEMPS: As the rain ends, colder air moves into North Alabama Thursday. We begin the way with temperatures in the 40s as the rain falls, but readings will drop into the 30s during the afternoon with a brisk north wind. Still some chance the rain could change briefly to snow flurries before ending in the colder air over the northern half of the state Thursday afternoon.

TO THE NORTH: Looks like some light snow accumulation is possible over Arkansas and Tennessee Thursday, mostly north of I-40.

FRIGID FRIDAY: Sunshine returns Friday, but the day will be very cold. We begin the day with a low in the 17-20 degree range, and the high will be only in the upper 30s, even with a sunny sky.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Saturday will be dry with a good supply of sunshine. After a morning low around 20 degrees, we will see a high near 50. Then, on Sunday, clouds return with some potential for a little scattered light rain ahead of an upper trough. Moisture will be very limited, so rain Sunday should be light and spotty.

POTENTIAL FOR BITTER COLD AIR NEXT WEEK: Global models are in good agreement now; a deep, cold upper trough will bring the coldest air so far this season to Alabama by Tuesday.

Some light precipitation is possible Sunday night and Monday, and depending on the timing of the cold air, there might even be a little light snow involved. The 12Z run of the European model (ECMWF) suggests some light accumulation over North Alabama Monday morning.

If there is some light snow, that won’t be the big issue… the issue is the depth of the cold air.

The new 12Z run of the European looks more realistic, and suggests lows over North and Central Alabama will be in the 10 to 20 degree range early Tuesday morning.

It will be a struggle for us to get above freezing during the day Tuesday, especially north of Birmingham, and another hard freeze is likely by early Wednesday. This is the time to think about precautions and what you need to do to protect your pets, pipes, and other property.

SUGAR BOWL WEATHER: For Alabama fans headed to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl (Thursday night; 7:30p CT kickoff), the weather will be generally cloudy in New Orleans through Thursday. Just a few widely scattered showers today, becoming more widespread tomorrow and tomorrow night. The rain should taper off and end by midday Thursday. Nothing too heavy, and no severe weather. Afternoon highs will be mostly in the 50s; colder and drier air arrives Friday with the sun finally breaking through. The high Friday will drop into the 40s.

BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WEATHER: For now it looks like routine southern California weather for Auburn fans making the trip out west. No rain for the next 7-10 days at Pasadena, CA; highs are in the 70s, with lows between 47 and 52. Lots of sun.

BBVA COMPASS BOWL: A perfect day for football in Birmingham Saturday, when Vanderbilt and Houston match up at 12:00 noon. Lots of sun; the kickoff temperature will be near 42 degrees, rising to near 50 by the final whistle. No risk of rain.

WEATHER BRAINS: Don’t forget you can listen to our weekly 90 minute netcast anytime on the web, or on iTunes. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including our meteorologists here at ABC 33/40.

CONNECT: You can find me on all of the major social networks…

Facebook
Twitter
Google Plus
Instagram

Look for the next Weather Xtreme video here tomorrow morning. Happy New Year!

Tags: cloudy

Category: Alabama's Weather