James Spann: Soaking rain later today/tonight for Alabama

ACTIVE PATTERN: Most of Alabama is rain-free this morning, but widespread rain is likely statewide late today, tonight and early tomorrow morning. Rain amounts of 1-2 inches are likely; the air is cool and stable and there is no risk of severe thunderstorms. Probably no thunder with the exception of southern Mobile and Baldwin counties. Today’s high will be in the 50s for most of the state; low 60s are possible for South Alabama.

Clouds will linger across much of the state tomorrow, and the day will be cold with highs in the 40s and low 50s. The sky will clear tomorrow night, and Wednesday morning will be the coldest morning of the week with lows mostly in the 20s. A freeze is likely down to the Gulf Coast.

After a mostly sunny, cool day Wednesday, clouds will increase Wednesday night, and periods of rain are likely Thursday and Friday. For now it looks like the heaviest rain on these two days will be over the southern 2/3 of the state… highs will be generally in the 50s.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Saturday will be a cloudy, cool day with some patchy light rain or drizzle possible, mainly during the morning hours. Sunday will be brighter with a mostly sunny sky; highs remain in the 50s.

And, for now, much of next week looks cool and dry with highs mostly in the 50s, lows in the 30s.

FOOTBALL: Jacksonville State will host Kennesaw State Friday evening (6 p.m. kickoff) in the C-USA Championship game. The sky will be cloudy with some light rain possible; temperatures will be in the 40s.

Troy will travel to play James Madison in the Sunbelt Conference Championship game Friday night (6 p.m. kickoff in Harrisonburg, Virginia). For those traveling to the game, expect a cloudy, cold night with a wintry mix of snow and sleet. Temperatures will hover in the low 30s during the game.

ON THIS DATE IN 1970: Four tornadoes impacted east-central Wisconsin during the morning hours. The strongest tornado, an F3, formed at 10:15 a.m. near Medina in Outagamie County. The twister moved northeast at 50 mph and destroyed 20 barns and five houses.

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