COLD START: Here are some temperatures across Alabama just before sunrise this morning:

• Cullman — 30
• Fort Payne — 30
• Haleyville — 30
• Gadsden — 31
• Chelsea — 31
• Morris — 31
• Margaret — 31
• Hueytown — 32
• Jasper — 34
• Decatur — 36
• Birmingham — 37
• Muscle Shoals — 37
• Anniston — 37
• Huntsville — 38
• Tuscaloosa — 38
• Montgomery — 43
• Mobile — 45
• Dothan — 46

With a sunny sky, temperatures will rise into the 67- to 73-degree range across Alabama this afternoon.

STORMS RETURN: While most of the day Thursday will be dry with a high in the 70s, a cold front will bring a few showers and storms to the state late in the day and Thursday evening. The Storm Prediction Center has defined a slight risk (level 2 out of 5) of severe thunderstorms for north Alabama.

This is a low-end severe weather threat as wind fields will be weak, but a few storms could produce small hail and gusty winds Thursday evening over the northern half of the state.

Friday will be cooler, with highs in the 60s. A passing upper trough could bring a few showers to the northern third of the state during the afternoon and evening, but rain amounts should be light.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Expect a sun-filled sky over the weekend; the high will be in the 60s Saturday, followed by 70s Sunday. Mornings will be cool, with lows in the low to mid 40s; some colder spots over north Alabama could reach the upper 30s.

The weather next week looks relatively tame; we will mention the chance of a few showers Tuesday and Friday, but much of the week will be dry with seasonal temperatures.

ON THIS DATE IN 1947: An estimated F5 tornado struck Woodward, Oklahoma, during the late evening, killing 95 people and causing $6 million damage. The tornado, one to two miles in width and traveling at a speed of 50 mph, killed a total of 167 people along its 221-mile path from Texas into Kansas.

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