WINDY, WET NIGHT AHEAD: A dynamic weather system will bring widespread rain to Alabama tonight, along with strong gradient winds, not related to thunderstorms. There is a chance that unstable air could creep into the southwest corner of Alabama, and the Storm Prediction Center maintains an enhanced risk (level 3 out of 5) of severe thunderstorms for areas south of a line from Millry to Brewton.

GRADIENT WIND: It is important to note that while the core threat of severe thunderstorms is confined to the southwest corner of Alabama, the entire state will see strong gradient winds (not related to thunderstorms) tonight. A wind advisory is in effect statewide, and a high wind warning has been issued for Mobile, Baldwin and Washington counties. Expect wind gusts to 40 mph at times, which could bring down some trees due to the wet soil conditions. Those along ridges could see a gust to 50 mph in spots. It will be very windy and noisy tonight.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS: Thunderstorms across southwest Alabama could produce hail, damaging winds and a few tornadoes tonight. A strong tornado (EF-2 or higher) can’t be ruled out. The air over the northern half of the state will be cool and stable, and very little thunder is expected there. Gradient winds are the concern over north and central Alabama.

TIMING: High gradient winds are likely over the state from about 8 tonight through midmorning Wednesday. Gusts are still possible to 25-30 mph Wednesday afternoon before diminishing Wednesday night. In terms of severe thunderstorms across southwest Alabama, the window comes from 11 tonight through 4 a.m. Wednesday.

For those of you in southwest Alabama, be sure and have a reliable way of hearing warnings late tonight and before dawn Wednesday. Never rely on a siren. A NOAA Weather Radio is the baseline, and be sure and have Wireless Emergency Alerts enabled on your phone. If you live in a mobile home, know the location of the nearest shelter or a business that is open 24/7 that can serve as a safe place. Have transportation available.

Everyone statewide should secure loose objects on your property due to the expected strong wind gusts tonight.

The rain will end Wednesday morning. Clouds will linger through the afternoon with temperatures in the 50s.

THURSDAY/FRIDAY: Thursday will be colder with a mix of sun and clouds; highs will be in the 40s over north Alabama, with 50s for the southern counties. A few light snow flurries can’t be ruled out Thursday morning over the Tennessee Valley, but no accumulation or impact is expected. Friday will feature a good supply of sunshine with highs in the 50s and 60s.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Saturday will be dry with a partly to mostly sunny sky; highs will remain in the 50s and 60s. Clouds return Saturday night, and occasional rain is likely Sunday with highs in the 50s. The air will be stable Sunday, so no severe storms are expected.

NEXT WEEK: A decent part of the day Monday will be dry, but expect periods of rain Tuesday and Wednesday. Colder air arrives by the end of the week; the latest global data for now shows no sign of any winter weather mischief (snow, ice, etc.).

ON THIS DATE IN 1967: A tornado outbreak across the central U.S. was the farthest north ever recorded in the winter up to that time. Severe weather occurred across a good portion of the Southeast and east-central Iowa. Two-inch hail fell at Armstrong, and more than two dozen tornadoes were reported. Five miles north of Fort Madison, a tornado killed one person and injured six. A tornado causing F4 damage killed three people and injured 216 in St. Louis County, Missouri. Storms also affected parts of northern and central Illinois. One strong tornado in Mason County killed one person and injured three others.

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.