James Spann: some light rain tomorrow; much colder air arrives tomorrow night/Thursday
PLEASANT AFTERNOON: After a morning freeze many communities have reached the 60 degree mark this afternoon with sunshine in full supply.
Clouds move in tonight ahead of a cold front that will bring the chance of some scattered light rain to the state tomorrow. Moisture will be limited, and rain amounts will be generally a quarter of an inch or less. Highs tomorrow will be in the 50s, but temperatures could begin to fall over the Tennessee Valley by late afternoon as a new surge of cold air arrives behind the front.
A few snow flurries are possible over North Alabama tomorrow night as the cold air rushes into the state, but there won’t be any impact or accumulation.
Thursday will be mostly sunny, but breezy and much colder. Highs only in the 30s over the northern half of the state, with 40s to the south. A freeze is likely statewide by Friday morning with lows mostly in the 20s. Then, we warm into the low to mid 50s by Friday afternoon.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Another cold front will roll through late Friday night. Nothing more than few sprinkles or flurries … then another shot of cold air arrives over the weekend. Expect highs in the 30s and 40s, with lows mostly in the 20s Sunday morning. Expect a mix of sun and clouds Saturday, and a most sunny sky Sunday.
NEXT WEEK: The weather stays cold and dry for the first half of the week; global models suggest the next chance of rain comes Thursday night and Friday as a warming trend begins. Highs will be in the 60s statewide by Friday. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
ON THIS DATE IN 1973: An F2 tornado moved through parts of the city of Birmingham. The tornado touched down at intersection of 19th Street and 10th Avenue South. A portion of a roof was ripped off an office building and a roof-mounted air conditioner was hurled northward against an adjacent parking deck. A roof-mounted walking track was ripped off the YMCA building and several windows were broken. Flying debris injured one boy at the YMCA, but he did not need to be hospitalized. Several other buildings had windows blown out.
ON THIS DATE IN 2006: An F1 tornado developed in Conecuh County along County Road 15 just south of Belleville and tracked north-northeast across U.S. Highway 84 before dissipating after a one-mile path. Damage occurred on both sides of the highway. According to the NWS survey, three homes were destroyed and 15 other structures were damaged. Eight vehicles were damaged. Numerous trees and power lines were brought down. The Belleville Fire Department was destroyed, with only one cinder block wall left standing. A woman, 58-year-old Betty Williams, was killed in her home when a chimney collapsed.
For more weather news and information from James Spann and his team, visit the Alabama Weather Network.