James Spann: Periods of rain through tonight in Alabama; temps remain below average

RADAR CHECK: A large mass of mostly light rain is pushing through Central and South Alabama early this morning, generally south of I-20. Most of the rain will remain over the southern 2/3 of the state this morning, but some light rain is likely statewide late this afternoon and tonight. Highs today will be in the 40s over North Alabama, with 50s for the southern counties.

TOMORROW AND THE WEEKEND: The sky will stay cloudy statewide tomorrow through Sunday, but most of the rain will be over the southern half of the state. Rain amounts by Sunday across South Alabama will be in the 2-3 inch range. We can’t rule out some spotty light rain or drizzle over the northern counties, but these three days will be generally dry there despite the clouds. Highs will be mostly in the 50s, with lows in the upper 30s and 40s.

NEXT WEEK: The sky becomes partly sunny Monday; Tuesday and Wednesday will be dry with a good supply of sunshine. A cold front will bring a chance of light rain Thursday (mainly Thursday morning), followed by colder, drier air Friday.

SUPER 7: The annual state football championship games will continue at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium today and tomorrow. Periods of rain are likely this afternoon and tonight with temperatures in the upper 40s this afternoon, and low 40s tonight. Only a small chance of some light rain tomorrow and tomorrow night.

COLLEGE: Jacksonville State will host Kennesaw State tomorrow evening (6 p.m. kickoff) in the C-USA Championship game. The sky will be cloudy with temperatures in the 40s. The chance of rain looks very small despite the overcast sky.

Troy will travel to play James Madison in the Sunbelt Conference Championship game tomorrow night (6 p.m. kickoff in Harrisonburg, Virginia). For those traveling to the game, expect a cloudy, cold night with temperatures in the mid to upper 20s. Before the game, snow is likely in Harrisonburg Friday morning with potential for 1/2 to 1 inch.

Alabama takes on Georgia Saturday in Atlanta (3 p.m. kickoff) in the SEC Championship game. The game will be played in a domed stadium, but for the fans walking to and from the game the sky will be cloudy with some light rain possible. The high in Atlanta Saturday afternoon will be in the low 50s.

ON THIS DATE IN 1952: The month of December started off with chilly temperatures in London. This cold resulted in Londoners burning more coal to heat up their homes. Then on December 5, a high pressure settled over the Thames River causing a dense layer of smog to develop. The smog became so thick and dense by December 7 that virtually no sunlight was seen in London. Most conservative estimates place the death toll at 4,000, with some estimating the smog killed as many as 8,000 individuals.

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