James Spann: showers return tomorrow; colder Friday

NICE WARM-UP TODAY: Temperatures are mostly in the 30s across Alabama early this morning, but we expect a high in the 58-65 degree range this afternoon. There will be a general increase in clouds, but the chance of any one spot seeing a shower today is very low.

Clouds thicken tonight with some rain possible, and 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. Rain amounts should be generally 1/2 inch or less. 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 isolated, 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 dry.

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 m.p.h.

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

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