James Spann: some rain for south Alabama tonight/Saturday; clouds statewide

RADAR CHECK: Light rain continues to fall across far south Alabama this afternoon in a broad zone from Mobile and Gulf Shores to Dothan. The rest of the state is cloudy with temperatures generally in the 40s. Rain will stay confined to the southern counties of the state tonight.

No real change for the weekend. A cloudy sky tomorrow and Sunday with the chance of meaningful rain confined to the southern quarter of the state. For North Alabama, there could be some drizzle at times, but most of the weekend will be dry despite the clouds. Highs over the weekend will be mostly in the 50s, and lows in the 30s and 40s.

Models do suggest some chance of light rain Sunday night as the weekend wraps up.

NEXT WEEK: The sky becomes partly sunny, and we should see a decent amount of sun Tuesday and Wednesday for a change. A cold front will pass through Thursday in dry fashion. Highs through the week will be mostly in the 50s, with lows in the 30s. But most of North Alabama will see lows in the 20s early Tuesday, which will be the coldest morning. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.

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

Troy takes on James Madison in the Sunbelt Conference Championship game tonight (6 p.m. kickoff in Harrisonburg, Vir.). The weather will be cloudy and cold with temperatures in the upper 20s and low 30s. About one inch of snow came down in Harrisonburg this morning.

Alabama takes on Georgia tomorrow 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 just a small chance of some light rain. The high in Atlanta tomorrow afternoon will be in the low 50s.

ON THIS DATE IN 1953: A tornado outbreak occurred over northeastern Louisiana, southeastern Arkansas, and western Mississippi on this day. At least four confirmed tornadoes touched down. The strongest tornado was rated F5 as it destroyed the town of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

ON THIS DATE IN 1954: A destructive and deadly tornado outbreak tore through east Alabama and west Georgia during the afternoon of December 5, 1954. A total of 14 tornadoes were confirmed, 10 of which were significant (F2+), including one that hit metro Atlanta. Two people were killed, 125 others were injured.

One of the stronger tornadoes during the event moved from near Ohatchee to Piedmont; A total of 37 homes were destroyed and 50 others were damaged; 26 people were injured.

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