James Spann: Rain at times tomorrow; cooler air returns Friday

PLEASANT DECEMBER DAY: Temperatures are generally in the 60s across Alabama this afternoon with a mix of sun and clouds. Most of the state is dry, although a few sprinkles have been moving across the Tennessee Valley. The sky becomes cloudy tonight, and showers are possible after midnight.

Tomorrow will be a mostly cloudy day with occasional showers and possibly a thunderstorm. There is hardly any surface based instability; no risk of severe storms … and rain amounts should be generally under 1/2 inch. The weather will stay mild with a high in the 60s tomorrow.

FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: Friday will be sunny and colder; the high will be between 47 and 57 degrees. Colder spots over North Alabama will see a freeze early Saturday morning. But temperatures warm nicely Saturday … with a good supply of sunshine expect a high in the upper 50s and 60s. There will be some increase in moisture levels Sunday, but at this point it looks showers will be hard to find, and most of the day will be dry and pleasant.

CHRISTMAS WEEK: An upper ridge building in from the Gulf will provide above average temperatures through the week with highs mostly in the 60s and lows in the 40s and 50s. Some south Alabama communities could see low 70s Wednesday and Christmas Day. And, for now, it looks like most of the week will be rain-free. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.

FOOTBALL WEATHER: Alabama will be in Norman to take on Oklahoma in the first round of the college football playoffs Friday (7 p.m. kickoff) … the sky will be clear with temperatures falling from the mid 50s at kickoff, to near 50 by the final whistle. It will be a windy at times with a south wind averaging 12-22 mph.

ON THIS DATE IN 1903: The Wright Brothers achieved the first powered flight at Kitty Hawk, NC, marking a monumental moment in aviation history.

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