James Spann: Warmer days ahead for Alabama; rain returns Friday

COLD START: Temperatures are below freezing across Alabama this morning, but a warming trend will begin this afternoon with temperatures rising into the 50s with sunshine in full supply. Tomorrow will be another sunny day with a high between 56 and 64 degrees.

RAIN RETURNS: Clouds will increase tomorrow night, and a disturbance will bring some rain into the state during the day Friday. Periods of rain will continue Friday night into Saturday … by Saturday afternoon the best chance of rain will over the southern half of the state. Rain amounts with this feature will average around 1/2 inch, maybe a little more over the northern and eastern counties. There could be a rumble of thunder, but severe storms are not expected.

Sunday will be a sunny day with a high in the upper 50s and low 60s for most places.

NEXT WEEK: Highs will be in the 60s through the week with generally dry conditions. A clipper system might bring a few sprinkles to North Alabama Wednesday, but the storm track will be well to the north. No sign of any severe cold, snow or ice for the Deep South through mid-January.

ROSE BOWL: There is a “marginal risk” (level 1/5) of severe thunderstorms for Los Angeles tomorrow, along with a low-end tornado threat. A flash flood watch is also in effect. High resolution models continue to suggest the most widespread rain will come tomorrow morning, with just a few spotty showers around during the Rose Bowl. Expect upper 50s at kickoff, low 60s by the final whistle.

2025 RAIN TOTALS: Here are final rain totals for the year at Alabama’s major reporting stations, and the departure from average:

Dothan 41.80″ (-11.90″)
Montgomery 45.07″ (-5.93″)
Huntsville 47.60″ (-6.52″)
Birmingham 48.20″ (-8.26″)
Tuscaloosa 48.07″ (-4.28″)
Anniston 55.57″ (+3.60″)
Muscle Shoals 63.20″ (+9.11″)
Mobile 63.92″ (-2.97″)

ON THIS DATE IN 1963: An unforgettable New Year’s Eve southern snow storm for Alabama. The snow would begin during the morning in Birmingham and continue for the better part of the next 24 hours, into New Year’s Day. When it was all over, Birmingham had recorded 8.40 inches of snow, its fifth largest snowstorm ever. Florence picked up 19.2 inches of snow, a record that still stands for the state of Alabama. Huntsville measured 17.1 inches during the storm with 11 inches on the ground New Year’s morning.

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