James Spann: Warmer days ahead for Alabama
Dr. Nan Jiang, UAB
SEVERE CLEAR: There’s not a cloud in the sky across Alabama this afternoon, but temperatures remain below average, with most places between 58 and 64 degrees at mid-afternoon. Tonight will be clear and cool, with lows between 40 and 48 degrees.
Our weather will stay dry through the rest of the week with sunny days, fair nights and a warming trend. Look for a high in the mid 70s Wednesday, low 80s Thursday and mid 80s Friday. Then, we will enjoy the warmest weekend so far this year. Highs remain in the 80s Saturday and Sunday with a good supply of sunshine both days.
NEXT WEEK: Global models suggest a few showers will be possible early next week, mainly on Monday, but the rest of the week looks dry and quiet with highs between 76 and 81 degrees. There’s no sign of any severe weather events for Alabama for the next seven to 10 days.
RAIN UPDATE: Here are rain totals since Jan. 1, and the departure from average:
- Birmingham — 27.76 inches (8.97 inches above average)
- Huntsville — 27.42 (9.05 above average)
- Muscle Shoals — 24.41 (6.86 above average)
- Tuscaloosa — 23.36 (5.1 above average)
- Anniston — 20.71 (2.69 above average)
- Montgomery — 20.64 (3.39 above average)
- Mobile — 17.31 (1.68 below average)
- Dothan — 15.46 (1.95 below average)
ON THIS DATE IN 1986: A major storm system produced 10 tornadoes in Texas, one of which virtually annihilated the town of Sweetwater. The tornado struck at the unlikely time of 7:17 a.m. One person was killed and 100 were injured.
ON THIS DATE IN 2020: A severe thunderstorm developed quickly over Chilton County north of Clanton, with significant straight-line wind. Extensive wind damage began just west of Thorsby and Jemison, where maximum winds were estimated in the range of 80 to 90 mph. The damage continued eastward through Coosa County and Tallapoosa County, where maximum winds were estimated in the range of 70 to 80 mph. The damage, as confirmed by a National Weather Service survey team, was the result of straight-line wind and consisted of numerous snapped and uprooted hardwood and softwood trees; trees falling onto structures; trees falling onto campers, especially in Wind Creek State Park, where several were crushed; damage to roofs, siding, overhangs, awnings and outbuildings; and a case of wind-driven hail causing severe exterior damage to buildings in the Kellyton area of Coosa County. At least three injuries were reported, all in Tallapoosa County.
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