James Spann: Warmer in Alabama Tuesday; strong to severe storms possible
RADAR CHECK: Widespread rain continues over much of Alabama this afternoon, generally north of a line from Tuscaloosa to Eufaula. The rain is north of a warm front positioned over the southern part of the state; south of the front temperatures are in the 70s, but north of it, where rain is falling, readings are between 47 and 55 degrees.
The front will move northward tonight and rain will diminish from the south.
TUESDAY: While a few showers are possible, much of the morning should be dry with temperatures rising into the 70s by afternoon. Then the front to the north will move southward again, setting the stage for strong to severe thunderstorms Tuesday evening. The Storm Prediction Center maintains a slight risk (level 2 out of 5) of severe thunderstorms for areas west of a line from Huntsville to Jasper to Aliceville. A marginal risk (level 1 of 5) extends as far east as Fort Payne, Alabaster and Thomasville.
TIMING: The window for strong to severe thunderstorms is roughly from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m.
THREATS: Stronger storms will be capable of producing large hail, strong winds and a few isolated tornadoes. The higher tornado probabilities are over the slight risk area of north and west Alabama.
RAIN: Additional amounts of around 1 inch are likely late Tuesday and Tuesday night. National Weather Service Huntsville has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the counties in the Tennessee Valley of north Alabama.
As always, be sure you can hear severe weather warnings in the event they are needed.
WEDNESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY: A complex pattern continues. We will mention some risk of scattered showers Wednesday and Thursday, but the rain won’t be especially heavy or widespread. The high will be in the upper 60s Wednesday, followed by mid to upper 70s Thursday. A few spots could touch 80 degrees Thursday afternoon for the first time this year.
Then the front will push southward again, with rain and storms likely late Thursday night into Friday morning. For now the overall severe weather risk looks low; additional rain amounts of 1 inch are expected with this round. Friday will be sharply colder with a high between 48 and 52 degrees. Some clearing is possible Friday afternoon.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Much of the day Saturday will be dry and cool with some sun possible; the high will be in the low 50s. More rain is likely Saturday night as another wave moves along the front to the south. On Sunday, expect a clearing sky with a high around 50.
NEXT WEEK: For now much of the week looks dry with temperatures about 5-10 degrees below average most days.
ON THIS DATE IN 1971: A tornado outbreak occurred in the Delta region of northeastern Louisiana and Mississippi. The first significant tornado touched down about 2:50 p.m. in Louisiana and crossed into Mississippi. This twister, which struck the towns of Delhi and Inverness, killed 46. In all, 121 people lost their lives that day, including 110 in Mississippi. A total of 1,600 people were injured and 900 homes severely damaged or destroyed. The total loss was around $19 million.
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