Slow Warm-Up Ahead; Wet Start To The Weekend

THIS AFTERNOON: Temperatures are generally in the 48-52 degree range across North/Central Alabama, with a good supply of sunshine through high clouds. Clouds will thicken tonight, and most communities will stay above freezing with a low in the mid 30s.

TOMORROW/FRIDAY: A slow warming trend continues; we expect a high in the mid 50s tomorrow, and Friday’s high will be very close to 60 degrees. The sky will be mostly cloudy both days, and we will continue to mention the risk of a little scattered light rain tomorrow night. But, amounts will be light and spotty, and some places won’t get enough rain to measure with very limited moisture.

WET BEGINNING TO THE WEEKEND: A surface low will pass north of Alabama Saturday, and the day looks pretty wet here with rain at times through the day. There might even be a bit of thunder in spots with temperatures rising up into the low 60s, but there is no risk of severe weather, and there won’t be any flooding issues. Rain amounts of 1/2 to 3/4 inch are likely.

Sunday will be raw, breezy, and cold day with clouds hanging tough, a chilly north breeze, and potential for little light rain or drizzle in spots. Looks like temperatures will hover in the 40s through the day, maybe even falling into the 30s over far North Alabama. A few snow flurries are even possible Sunday evening near the Tennessee border, but no impact is expected if that happens.

NEXT WEEK: Global models have backed off a little on the depth of the cold air expected to drop in here; we will forecast highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s Monday and Tuesday, with slow moderation for the rest of the week. The week is looking generally dry; the 12Z GFS run does try and bring a little light rain in here Tuesday, but the European model (ECMWF) shunts that wave far to the south, keeping us dry. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

Still no sign of any winter weather mischief for North Alabama for the next 10 days.

FOOTBALL WEATHER: Saturday, Jacksonville State plays North Dakota State for the FCS National Championship Saturday in Frisco, Texas (north of Dallas; 11:00a CT kickoff). Expect a mix of sun and clouds; just a small risk of a shower during the game. Temperatures will rise from 42 degrees at kickoff, to near 45 by the final whistle.

The FBS National Championship game, Alabama vs Clemson, is Monday at Glendale, Arizona (7:30p CT kickoff). Despite a good bit of rain for Phoenix this week, the weather looks cool and dry for the game with temperatures falling from the low 50s at kickoff, into the upper 40s by the second half. The stadium has a roof, but it will be pretty chilly walking to and from your transportation.

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I had a great time today visiting with the 3rd graders at Elvin Hill Elementary in Columbiana… be looking for them on the Pepsi KIDCAM today at 5:00 on ABC 33/40 News! The next Weather Xtreme video will be posted here by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow..

Tags: ANC, cold

Category: Alabama's Weather