Published On: 03.25.16 | 

By: James Spann

James Spann: Strong storms possible Sunday night in Alabama

GOOD WEATHER ON GOOD FRIDAY: Hard to find a decent cloud in the Alabama sky this afternoon; temperatures are mostly in the 60s, with 50s over the Tennessee Valley of far North Alabama. Tonight will be clear and cool with a low in the 40s.

Tomorrow promises to be a delightful day; a partly sunny sky with temperatures rising up into the mid to upper 70s by afternoon. Then, clouds return tomorrow night as moisture levels rise.

STORMY EASTER SUNDAY: Showers will move northward during the pre-dawn hours Sunday, possibly reaching I-20 (Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Anniston) by daybreak. Showers and a few storms will become more widespread by midday. It won’t rain all day, but expect occasional showers and some thunder. Temperatures will rise into the mid 70s Sunday afternoon.

We will have some risk of strong, maybe even severe thunderstorms Sunday night as the next upper trough approaches. SPC has the northwest corner of Alabama in a “slight risk”… with a “marginal risk” for other parts of North, West, and South Alabama.

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The latest guidance shows dew points rising into the upper 60s over West Alabama Sunday evening, making for a rather unstable airmass (CAPE values over 1,500 j/kg). Seems like the main threat will come from strong thunderstorm winds, although an isolated tornado can’t be ruled out, especially over Northwest Alabama. At this point it looks like the core severe weather risk will come from about 6:00 through 12:00 midnight Sunday night.

We should note a wedge of cooler air should keep Northeast Alabama stable, so there is little risk of severe weather there.

NEXT WEEK: Monday and Tuesday will be dry and pleasant; highs will be in the upper 60s Monday, followed by low to mid 70s Tuesday. Another round of showers and strong storms is likely Wednesday night into early Thursday morning… see the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

AT THE BEACH: Expect occasional showers and thunderstorms on the coast from Gulf Shores over to Panama City Beach tomorrow and Sunday, but dry weather returns Monday and Tuesday. Highs on the immediate coast will stay in the 60s due to the cool ocean water… 70s are likely just a mile or so inland. See a very detailed Gulf Coast forecast here.

STORM SPOTTER TRAINING: Storm Spotter Xtreme is coming up 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!

WEATHER BRAINS: Don’t forget you can listen to our weekly 90 minute netcast anytime on the web, or on iTunes. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including our meteorologists here at ABC 33/40.

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For more weather news and information from James Spann and his weather team, visit Alabama WX.