Bill Murray: Dry stretch continues in Alabama with crisp nights

ALABAMA THIS MORNING 

A clear and calm start to the weekend across Alabama, with temperatures ranging from the lower 50s in the north to the low 60s south. A few patches of fog and haze were noted in valleys, but skies were mostly clear statewide under light north to northeast winds. Expect plenty of sunshine today with highs climbing into the upper 70s and low 80s. 

 

DANCING WITH THE STATS

FLORIDA’S FRIDAY SOAKER 

Heavy tropical downpours drenched parts of the Sunshine State on October 10. Marathon led the way with more than five inches of rain — its wettest October 10th on record since 1950 — while Melbourne also smashed a daily rainfall mark. 

Marathon, Florida — 5.22” (old record 1.44” in 1994) 

Melbourne, Florida — 3.22” (old record 2.09” in 2015) 

 

NATIONAL OUTLOOK

COASTAL LOW SOAKS THE MID-ATLANTIC

A strengthening coastal storm brings heavy rain and gusts over 45 mph to coastal North Carolina into southeastern Virginia today through tonight, with a Slight Risk for excessive rainfall and coastal flooding, rip currents and beach erosion. Along the Outer Banks late tonight into early Sunday, a brief tornado or severe gust is possible as the low intensifies. 

FOUR CORNERS STORMS WITH FLASH-FLOOD RISK

Deep southwest flow and remnant tropical moisture fuel widespread showers and thunderstorms from Arizona and New Mexico into Colorado and Utah, with a Slight Risk for excessive rainfall and localized debris flows on burn scars. Isolated severe storms with gusty winds and small hail are possible this afternoon and evening across the eastern Great Basin/Colorado Plateau and parts of central Arizona. 

EARLY-SEASON MOUNTAIN SNOW IN THE NORTHERN ROCKIES

As the upper low moves inland, rain changes to heavy high-elevation snow from the Cascades into the northern Rockies tonight into Sunday. Accumulations will be most impactful over the Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming ranges as colder air deepens behind the front. 

SHOWERS SHIFT TOWARD THE PLAINS AND GREAT LAKES SUNDAY

Energy ejecting east spreads rain into the Upper Mississippi Valley Sunday and the Upper Great Lakes Sunday night, while additional showers and thunderstorms develop from the Southern Plains into west Texas. A renewed Slight Risk for excessive rainfall lingers over parts of the Southwest on Sunday as moisture and storms persist. 

NATIONAL HIGH AND LOW TEMPERATURE 

Desert heat still ruled the West on Friday as Stovepipe Wells, California, soared to 102°, while autumn’s chill tightened its grip near Bynum, Montana, where the temperature dropped to 17°.

 

ALABAMA WEATHER FORECAST

High pressure remains the dominant player across Alabama this weekend, keeping skies mostly sunny and conditions dry from the Tennessee Valley to the Gulf Coast. Northerly flow continues to usher in cooler, drier air, with pleasant afternoons and crisp mornings through early next week. 

SUNNY AND DRY TODAY

The state stays under clear skies with highs in the mid to upper 70s north and low 80s central and south. Light north to northeast winds may gust near 15 mph at the coast, while calm inland conditions could lead to patchy early fog in sheltered valleys. Rip current risk along the beaches drops from moderate to low later today. 

CLEAR AND COOL TONIGHT

Winds ease as skies remain mostly clear, allowing lows to dip into the upper 40s in north Alabama valleys and low to mid-50s across central areas. Farther south in the Wiregrass and along the coast, readings hold in the upper 50s to near 60. Patchy fog possible toward sunrise. 

SUNNY SUNDAY

Another comfortable fall day unfolds with highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s and low humidity. Light northerly flow keeps the air crisp, and widespread morning lows in the 50s mark the first consecutive sub-60° mornings for many since spring. 

WARMING MONDAY AND TUESDAY

High pressure drifts east as an upper ridge builds from Texas, bringing a gradual warm-up. Highs climb into the low to mid-80s with lows in the 50s and 60s. Dry weather holds statewide, and outdoor burning remains discouraged due to ongoing drought and low humidity. 

EXTENDED OUTLOOK

The midweek pattern stays steady — sunny days, cool mornings, and continued drought concerns. Temperatures may approach record levels by mid to late week with highs in the mid to upper 80s. Moisture may start to increase late in the week, bringing more clouds but still little to no chance of rain. 

 

ALABAMA AT MISSOURI (SATURDAY, 11 a.m.)

Morning fog may greet early tailgaters, but sunshine quickly takes over by kickoff. Expect a beautiful fall day in Columbia with temperatures rising through the 70s and peaking in the mid-70s by afternoon.

CENTRAL ARKANSAS AT NORTH ALABAMA (SATURDAY, 3 p.m.)

Plenty of sunshine and light northeast winds make for ideal football conditions in Florence. Temperatures hover in the upper 70s for most of the game, with low humidity and clear skies continuing through the evening.

GEORGIA AT AUBURN (SATURDAY, 6:30 p.m.)

Clear skies and mild conditions make for perfect football weather in Auburn. Temperatures sit in the mid-70s at kickoff and dip into the 60s by the second half, with light breezes and low humidity throughout the evening.

 

TROPICS 

JERRY MOVING NORTH IN THE ATLANTIC

Tropical Storm Jerry continues its northward trek over the western Atlantic this morning, centered about 545 miles south of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds near 60 mph. The storm should turn toward the north-northeast this weekend and then east early next week while gradually weakening over cooler waters. No direct land impacts are expected, but large swells and dangerous rip currents continue across the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and are spreading toward the Bahamas today. 

TROPICAL WAVE IN THE FAR EAST ATLANTIC

A broad area of disorganized showers and storms is located well south of the Cabo Verde Islands. Slow development is possible as it moves west-northwestward across the open Atlantic over the next week. The National Hurricane Center gives it a low chance of formation — near 0% through 48 hours and 20 percent through 7 days. 

 

BEACH 

SUNNY SATURDAY ON THE GULF

It’s a bright and breezy day from Dauphin Island to Pensacola with highs in the lower 80s and full sunshine. Surf runs 2 to 3 feet with water temperatures in the upper 70s — just right for a quick dip or beach stroll. Northeast winds near 15 mph add a refreshing touch, but a moderate rip current risk continues, so swim near a lifeguard and follow local flag warnings. A classic October beach day with plenty of sun and a touch of fall in the air.

 

WEATHER HISTORY 

The Great Key West Hurricane of October 11, 1846, ranks among the most destructive storms ever to strike Florida. It is estimated the hurricane may have reached Category 5 strength when it devastated Havana, Cuba, where the barometer plunged to 27.06 inches. The storm roared into the Florida Keys early on the 11th, bringing catastrophic winds and a storm surge up to 7.5 feet that left much of Key West under five feet of water. Only eight of the city’s 600 homes escaped destruction, and observers later said that if the water had remained a few hours longer, the island might have been “scoured to white sand.” Both the Key West and Sand Key lighthouses were swept away, killing all 20 occupants and marking this as one of the most catastrophic hurricanes of the 19th century.

For more weather news and information from Bill Murray and the rest of the James Spann team, visit the Alabama Weather Network.