James Spann: Showers for Alabama tonight; cooler Tuesday
WARM AFTERNOON: Temperatures are between 80 and 85 degrees across most of Alabama this afternoon with a partly to mostly sunny sky. Showers and thunderstorms are on radar over the northwest counties of the state ahead of a cold front.
Showers are likely statewide tonight with a rumble of thunder in spots as the front passes through; there is no risk of a tornado and no risk of hail. Stronger storms will produce a brief heavy downpour and possibly gusty winds, but we don’t expect storms to reach severe limits. Most places will see rain amounts of one-half inch or less, and most of south Alabama will see totals under one-tenth of an inch Tuesday morning as the front moves through.
Tuesday will be much cooler with gradual clearing; the high will be between 68 and 72 degrees for most communities.
REST OF THE WEEK: Look for sunny days and fair nights along with a warming trend. The high will be in the mid 70s Wednesday, close to 80 Thursday and in the low 80s Friday.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Moisture levels will rise, but the upper ridge will hold over the Deep South, keeping most of Alabama dry. Odds of any one spot getting wet are 20-25% Saturday and 30-35% Sunday. Otherwise, expect a mix of sun and clouds both days with highs in the low to mid 80s.
NEXT WEEK: The latest global model data suggests the weather will stay quiet and warm Monday through Wednesday; a cold front will bring a chance of showers and storms Thursday.
ON THIS DATE IN 1880: A violent tornado, at times up to 400 yards wide, swept away at least 20 homes in Macon, Mississippi. Pieces of houses were found 15 miles away. Twenty-two people died and 72 were injured. Loaded freight cars were thrown 100 yards into homes. Clothes were carried for eight miles.
ON THIS DATE IN 1912: An estimated F4 tornado struck Ponca City, Oklahoma. One person was killed and 119 homes were damaged or destroyed. Dozens of oil derricks were flattened or twisted southwest of town. The tornado was reportedly visible and audible for 20 miles.
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.
