James Spann: One more mild day before cold air returns to Alabama
TERRIFIC THURSDAY: With a sunny sky, temperatures have warmed into the 65- to 70-degree range across Alabama this afternoon, about 10 degrees above average for mid-February. Tonight will be clear with a low between 36 and 46 degrees.
The weather won’t change much Friday. Expect a good supply of sunshine with a high in the upper 60s. A few spots, like today, could touch 70 degrees.
WEEKEND CHILL: A cold front will pass through the state Saturday morning and will bring a major weather change. The sky becomes mostly cloudy, and after temperatures in the 50s during the morning, readings will fall into the 30s and 40s by afternoon with a brisk north wind. The front will pass through in dry fashion, and while a couple of snow flurries can’t be ruled out Saturday night, meaningful precipitation isn’t expected.
Sunday will be cold and dry with a partly to mostly sunny sky; after a low in the mid 20s, the high will be in the mid 40s.
NEXT WEEK: Look for a warming trend during the first part of the week. With mostly sunny days, we are forecasting a high around 50 degrees Monday, followed by low 60s Tuesday and mid 60s Wednesday. Rain and thunderstorms will return Thursday and Thursday night. It’s still too early to know whether severe thunderstorms will be an issue.
ON THIS DATE IN 1921: Gardner, Georgia, was devastated by a massive, estimated F4 tornado that caused an entire small town section to disappear. The tornado killed an estimated 31 people and injured 100.
ON THIS DATE IN 1981: A morning tornado at Bay Minette struck the local middle school, severely damaging the gymnasium. The twister hit the school about 8:50 a.m., shortly after classes had been called to order. There were 62 injuries, 44 of whom were students. Most of the injuries apparently were minor — cuts, bruises and broken bones — and were a result of flying glass and bricks.
BEACH FORECAST: Click here to see the AlabamaWx Beach Forecast Center page.
WEATHER BRAINS: You can listen to our weekly 90-minute show any time on your favorite podcast app. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including the meteorologists at ABC 33/40.
CONNECT: You can find me on the major social networks:
For more weather news and information from James Spann and his team, visit AlabamaWx.
