James Spann: Warm afternoons in Alabama through Thursday; rain returns Friday

PLEASANT NOVEMBER DAY: Temperatures are in the 76–82-degree range across Alabama this afternoon with a good supply of sunshine. Tonight will be mostly fair with a low in the 50s and 60s.

Alabama’s weather will remain mostly dry through mid-week with temperatures above average for mid to late November. Most of the state will see a high in the upper 70s and low 80s tomorrow and Thursday. A number of new daily record highs will likely be established thanks to an upper ridge over the region nosing in here from the Gulf. A few small, isolated showers are possible tomorrow, but most communities will stay dry.

RAIN RETURNS: An approaching surface front will bring showers into the state Friday and Friday night. There is no risk of severe storms with weak dynamics and limited instability … probably very little thunder. Rain amounts vary from 1/2 to 1 inch across North Alabama, to just a trace for the southeast counties.

A few lingering showers are possible Saturday morning, but drier air will push into the state by afternoon. Sunday will be dry with a good supply of sunshine; highs over the weekend will be mostly in 70s.

THANKSGIVING WEEK: For now the weather looks dry and pleasant Monday and Tuesday with highs close to 70 degrees. The reliable European global model suggests a chance of rain Wednesday, with just a few lingering showers Thanksgiving Day (mainly during the early morning hours). Colder air rolls into the Deep South by Friday and Iron Bowl Saturday.

At this point the weather looks dry Friday through Sunday (November 28-30) with cool days and cold nights … See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.

FOOTBALL WEATHER: Auburn hosts Mercer Saturday (1 p.m. kickoff) … the sky will be mostly cloudy, and a brief shower is possible. Temperatures will be in the low 70s.

Saturday Alabama will host Eastern Illinois in Tuscaloosa (1 p.m. kickoff) … the sky will be partly sunny with just a small risk of a shower during the game. Temperatures will be in the low to mid 70s.

UAB hosts South Florida at Protective Stadium (2 p.m. kickoff) … expect a mix of sun and clouds with temperatures in the mid 70s at kickoff, falling into the 60s by the fourth quarter. Just a small chance of a passing shower.

ON THIS DATE IN 1957: A tornado moved through the Birmingham metro, killing one person and injuring 25. After touching down in Ensley, the tornado proceeded northeast through the Pratt area and North Birmingham and eventually into Tarrant. Many homes between 22nd and 24th streets on 35th and 36th Avenues North were damaged with numerous large trees down around the area.

The Birmingham Airport recorded winds of 69 mph and reported the tornado just to the northwest. Damage in Tarrant was mainly to the industrial area. November 17 and 18, 1957 were very active across the entire state of Alabama. An additional 13 tornadoes were reported statewide with several injuries and fatalities. Major damage was reported in Walker, Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, Blount and Marshall Counties.

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