COLD DECEMBER DAY: Temperatures are in the low to mid 40s over much of Alabama this afternoon, but places like Alexander City and Auburn are only in the upper 30s with a very cold rain falling. To the north, however, there is a break in the overcast over parts of the Tennessee Valley, where they are enjoying some sunshine.

Tonight will be cloudy and cold; some patchy rain could linger over south Alabama. Most places will be in the 32- to 35-degree range early tomorrow.

The day tomorrow will be cloudy and cold; some light drizzle is possible, but a decent part of the day will be dry. The high will be in the 45- to 48-degree range as cold air stays in places.

SNOWFLAKES? A wave will bring precipitation into the southern two-thirds of the state late tomorrow night and into the day Friday. New model data suggests thermal values will be cold enough for some snow across parts of central Alabama.

Here are the important points concerning Friday’s situation:

• Accumulation potential will be limited by warm soil temperatures. For now, we will mention accumulation up to one-quarter inch across central Alabama, with amounts to one-half inch across higher terrain of east Alabama.
• We have adjusted the northern edge of the snow potential up to the I-20 corridor, including Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Anniston. The southern edge of the “snow zone” is roughly along U.S. 80 — Demopolis to Selma to Montgomery to Opelika. For many communities, the precipitation will begin as a mix of rain and snow. But it could change to all snow during the day as very cold air filters southward. Most places will hold in the 30s all day.
• Not everyone in central Alabama will see snow.
• Concerning timing, the precipitation will most likely begin during the pre-dawn Friday, then taper off Friday afternoon. The prime window for now is 3 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Temperatures Friday morning will be pretty close to freezing, and if we get some evaporational cooling, some places could drop into the 28- to 32-degree range, meaning there could be some impact for the morning commute.
• As with any snow potential in the South, keep alert for forecast changes, and be prepared for impacts, even if they seem minor now.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: The weather will be dry and cold Saturday and Sunday with mostly sunny days and fair nights. Highs will be in the 40s, lows in the 20- to 25-degree range. Colder spots will see upper teens early Sunday.

NEXT WEEK: The weather looks dry, and a new surge of colder air blows in here Tuesday and Wednesday. Sure looks like temperatures could remain below average around here through Christmas as an upper trough remains anchored over the eastern third of the country.

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