James Spann: Weekend warm-up ahead in Alabama

Published On: 02.26.16 |

By: James Spann

James Spann: Weekend warm-up ahead in Alabama

CLOUDLESS SKY: With sunshine in full supply, temperatures are mostly in the low 50s across North/Central Alabama this afternoon, well below the average high of 61 for February 26 (for Birmingham). Tonight will be clear and cold; we project a low in the mid 30s early tomorrow morning.

WARMER WEEKEND: Sunny weather continues tomorrow and Sunday with a warming trend. The high tomorrow will be close to 60, and then we rise into the mid to upper 60s Sunday afternoon.

NEXT WEEK: A weak surface front drifts into North Alabama Monday, and it could trigger a few scattered showers. But, with little upper air support and limited moisture, rain amounts will be light and spotty. Then, a stronger storm system will arrive with a line of showers and storms due in here Tuesday night. The latest runs of the GFS and the ECMWF still show little risk of organized severe weather; we expect a line of weakening storms with gusty winds sometime from 9:00 p.m. Tuesday through 6:00 a.m. Wednesday.

Wednesday will be breezy, much colder, and raw with lingering clouds and some risk of light rain or drizzle. We might even have a few snow flurries over the far northeast corner of the state.

Thursday and Friday will be sunny with a warming trend… see the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

STORM SPOTTER TRAINING: We are offering basic SKYWARN training at four locations across North/Central Alabama in March and April, followed by the big event, Storm Spotter Xtreme on Saturday, April 9 at the BJCC from 9am to 2pm. This will feature both the basic and advanced SKYWARN classes, along with a session from Kevin Laws of the Birmingham NWS office. And, if you come, you get free admission to the Alabama International Auto Show, going on at the BJCC that same day. There is no cost and no need to register. Just show up with a curious mind. Kids 10 and older will also enjoy this if they love weather and want to learn more. Please help us make the severe weather warning process better!