James Spann: Cool days, cold nights ahead in Alabama; rain returns Sunday

COOL, DRY DAY: With a mostly sunny sky temperatures this afternoon range from the mid 50s across the Tennessee Valley to the low 70s near the coast. Tonight will be clear and cold; lows will be generally in the 30s early tomorrow morning.

Thanksgiving Day tomorrow will also feature a sunny sky … after a morning low near freezing the highs will be in the 50s for most of the state. Dry weather continues Friday and Saturday with a freeze likely both mornings; highs will be in the 40s and 50s.

Clouds will increase late in the day Saturday, and a fast-moving system will bring some rain to the state after midnight Saturday night into Sunday morning. Rain amounts will be relatively light, generally under 1/2 inch. The air will be cool and stable and we expect no thunder. Highs over the weekend will be in the 50s for most of the state, with low 60s for the southern counties.

NEXT WEEK: A decent part of the day Monday will be dry, although a few spotty showers are possible. Another wave will bring widespread rain to the state Monday night into Tuesday morning; amounts will be in the 1-2 inch range for most communities. No risk of severe storms thanks to a cool, stable airmass in place.

Wednesday and Thursday will be cool and dry with highs generally in the 50s, lows in the 30s. Global models now suggest some rain could return by Friday (December 5). See the video briefing for maps, graphics and more details.

IRON BOWL: The weather will be cold and dry for this year’s Iron Bowl (Alabama at Auburn, Saturday night at Jordan Hare Stadium; 6:30 p.m. kickoff). We are forecasting temperatures in the mid 40s at kickoff, low 40s by the final whistle. Prior to the game, the day will be sunny in Auburn with a high in the mid 50s.

ON THIS DATE IN 2007: Lightning and heavy rain delay the start of the Monday Night Football game at Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field between the Miami Dolphins and the Pittsburgh Steelers by 25 minutes. The muddy field conditions contribute to one of the lowest scoring NFL games won by the Steelers, 3-0. The teams combined 375 yards, and the winning field goal occurred with 17 seconds left in the game.

For more weather news and information from James Spann and his team, visit the Alabama Weather Network.