James Spann: Warm today for Alabama, then back to the deep freeze

Published On: 01.11.18 |

By: James Spann

James Spann: Warm today for Alabama, then back to the deep freeze

James Spann: One more unseasonably mild day for Alabama from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

BIG CHANGES AHEAD: We project a high in the low 70s today, almost 20 degrees above average for Jan. 11, and not far from the record high of 78, set in 1949. Quite the contrast to the weather on this date in 1982, when Birmingham dropped to minus 1, one day before a crippling ice storm started.

Showers are possible today; rain becomes more widespread tonight and tomorrow morning as a cold front pushes through the state. Rain amounts of around three-quarters of an inch are expected, and while some thunder is possible, there is no risk of severe storms.

WINTER WEATHER WOES TO THE NORTH TOMORROW: Rain will end from west to east during the midday hours, and as cold, Arctic air returns, a “wintry mix” of freezing rain, sleet and snow is possible over the far northern part of Alabama.

A winter weather advisory is in effect tomorrow for Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison and Jackson counties (the counties that touch the Tennessee border).

Light ice and snow accumulation, under one-half inch, in these counties could bring about some bridge icing during the day. Higher accumulation totals will be to the north, over parts of Tennessee and Kentucky.

The highest accumulation of ice and snow over Tennessee will be over the western half of the state; amounts over east Tennessee will be pretty light (places like Knoxville and Gatlinburg).

While a patch of sleet or a snowflake or two is possible as far south as Birmingham tomorrow evening, no accumulation or impact is expected for Alabama south of the Tennessee River.

COLD WEEKEND: We will forecast a clearing sky Saturday, but the high will be only in the 37- to 40-degree range with a stiff north wind. We drop into the upper teens early Sunday, and then we expect sunshine in full supply during the day Sunday with a high in the upper 30s.

NEXT WEEK: A clipper passes north of the state Tuesday and pulls down a reinforcing shot of Arctic air. Looks like highs will be in the mid to upper 30s Tuesday and Wednesday, and the Global Forecast System is printing a low of 14 for Birmingham early Wednesday morning. Then, look for a slow warming trend Thursday and Friday. Seems like the next chance of showers will come around Sunday, Jan. 21.