SUNNY, WINDY JANUARY DAY: With a mostly sunny sky, temperatures are in the 60s over north Alabama, with 70s over the southern counties of the state this afternoon. Winds have gusted to 30 mph in spots as dry air continues to roll in following the overnight rain. Tonight will be clear and colder, with a low between 35 and 45 degrees.

Friday will be sunny and cool. After a low in the 30s, we expect highs in the 50s over north Alabama, with 60s to the south.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Clouds move back in on Saturday, and rain will begin during the morning over south Alabama. The rain becomes widespread statewide by Saturday night and much of the day Sunday. The air will be cool and stable, so there is no risk of severe storms, and probably little thunder. Rain amounts will be around 1 inch, and highs will be in the 50s both days.

NEXT WEEK: After a mostly sunny day Monday, another weather disturbance will bring rain back into the state Tuesday. At this point we are not expecting any severe weather threat for most of the state as there will be very little surface-based instability. A few strong storms are possible near the Gulf Coast. The rest of the week looks cool and dry, with highs mostly in the 50s and lows in the 30s.

ON THIS DATE IN 1961: Eight inches of snow fell and caused crippling traffic jams around the Washington, D.C., area on the eve of John Kennedy’s inauguration. The president-elect had to cancel dinner plans and, in a struggle to keep other commitments, reportedly had only four hours of sleep. Former President Herbert Hoover was unable to fly into Washington National Airport due to the weather, and he had to miss the swearing-in ceremony.

ON THIS DATE IN 2008: A winter storm brought significant snow to central Alabama in the general area between Birmingham and Montgomery. A band of average 2- to 4-inch amounts extended from Marengo County through southern Hale, much of Perry, Dallas, much of Chilton and Coosa counties. The highest accumulations were in Dallas County, where up to 5 inches was reported at Orrville.

BEACH FORECAST: Click here to see the AlabamaWx Beach Forecast Center page.

For more weather news and information from James Spann and his team, visit AlabamaWx.