James Spann: Colder air blows in over the weekend across Alabama

Published On: 03.18.16 |

By: James Spann

James Spann: Colder air blows in over the weekend across Alabama

RADAR CHECK: Light to moderate rain with a few embedded thunderstorms are over Central Alabama this afternoon… the bulk of the rain is south of I-20.

Where rain is falling, temperatures are in the 60s, but 70s are reported over North Alabama where the weather has been dry.

We will mention rain at times tonight statewide, with the best coverage remaining south of I-20. Any severe storms should be confined to Southwest Alabama, where SPC has defined a “slight risk” of severe weather…

THE WEEKEND: Lingering light rain is possible tomorrow morning, but by afternoon the bulk of the rain will be over, with the exception of a few eastern counties. It will be a mostly cloudy, breezy, and cool day with a high between 62 and 65… a northwest wind of 12-22 mph will make it feel colder.

Sunday will be dry, but breezy and very cool with a mix of sun and clouds. We project a high between 55 and 58 degrees Sunday afternoon. A few sprinkles are possible near the Tennessee border, but most of the state will be dry.

FREEZE/FROST POTENTIAL: We drop into the mid 30s early Sunday, but frost is not likely due to the gusty north wind. The biggest issue will come early Monday morning, when the sky will be clear, and the wind light. Widespread frost is likely, and many communities will see a freeze. Most lows will be in the 28-34 degree range.

We should also note Tuesday morning will be cold, and some frost is very possible then as well with mdi 30s possible.

NEXT WEEK: Dry weather is the story Monday through Wednesday with a warming trend; a rather vigorous system will bring the potential of strong to severe thunderstorms late in the week, Thursday night into Friday. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

AT THE BEACH: Showers and storms remain possible from Gulf Shores over to Panama City Beach tonight and tomorrow, but dry weather is the story Sunday into the first half of next week with sunny pleasant days and clear cool nights. See a very detailed Gulf Coast forecast here.

STORM SPOTTER TRAINING: We are offering basic SKYWARN training at several locations across North/Central Alabama in March, 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!