James Spann: Light rain tonight; more cold air by Sunday
THIS AFTERNOON: With a cloudy sky, temperatures are generally in the low to mid 50s across North/Central Alabama. To the south, rain is becoming widespread along the Alabama Gulf Coast, and that same feature will bring some light rain at times to the northern half of the state tonight. The main window for rain will come from 5:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m., and amounts will be under 1/4 inch in most places. We won’t drop below the mid 40s tonight with the clouds and light rain.
TOMORROW: Clouds linger during the day, but it should be mostly rain-free with a pleasant afternoon. We are forecasting a high between 59 and 63 degrees, about 5 to 10 degrees above average for early January.
MORE RAIN SATURDAY: We will have a wet day as the weekend begins. A deepening surface low will be just northwest of Memphis at midday, and we will forecast occasional rain through the day. Some surface based instability will be available, and a few thunderstorms are possible as well, but there is no risk of severe weather. The high Saturday will be in the low 60s, but don’t get used to the milder conditions.
Another shot of cold air blows in here Sunday with a brisk north wind. It will be a breezy, cold, and raw day with a cloudy sky and some drizzle at times. Temperatures will settle into the 38-43 degree range, and a north wind of 10-20 mph will make it feel colder. A few snow flurries are possible over far North Alabama Sunday in the colder air, but no impact is expected.
NEXT WEEK: The week looks cold and dry. We should be well below freezing each morning, with highs generally in the 40s. Seems like the next opportunity for rain will come around Saturday January 16… see the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.
FOOTBALL WEATHER: Saturday, Jacksonville State plays North Dakota State for the FCS National Championship Saturday in Frisco, Texas (north of Dallas; 11:00a CT kickoff). Expect a mix of sun and clouds; just a small risk of a shower early in the game. Temperatures will rise from 42 degrees at kickoff, to near 46 by the final whistle.
The FBS National Championship game, Alabama vs Clemson, is Monday at Glendale, Arizona (7:30p CT kickoff). Despite a good bit of rain for Phoenix this week, the weather looks cool and dry for the game with temperatures falling from the mid 50s at kickoff, into the upper 40s by the second half. The stadium has a roof, but it will be pretty chilly walking to and from your transportation.
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For more weather news and information from James Spann and his weather team, visit Alabama WX.