Temperatures as of 5 a.m. were in the mid-30s to the lower 50s across central Alabama. Birmingham was the warm spot at 50 degrees. Gadsden was the cold spot at 35 degrees. And as you can see, we have a mix of reports coming in with partly to mostly cloudy skies in Gadsden, Pell City, Sylacauga and Troy, with the rest of the stations reporting clear or fair skies. Demopolis was reporting fog.

SATURDAY: A cold front will move through Alabama Saturday that will bring some mid- to upper-level clouds, but any precipitation will be hard to find. A few light sprinkles or very light showers may be possible over the far north and northwestern parts of the state. It is still possible that a few flurries could fall over those areas this evening as temperatures drop, but no issues are expected. Afternoon temperatures will range from the upper 40s to the lower 70s from northwest to southeast.

SUNDAY: A deep trough will be over the state on Sunday, along with high pressure. Skies will clear out and winds will be out of the north, reinforcing that cooler air. Highs will be in the mid-40s to the lower 50s.

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY: The trough moves out and ridging starts to build over Alabama Monday. That will lead to sunny skies and warmer temperatures. Highs will be in the mid to upper 50s. Much warmer temperatures on Tuesday can be expected underneath sunny skies, with highs in the lower to mid 60s. An ample southerly flow will set up over Alabama Wednesday that will allow for moist, warm air to move into the state. Skies will be mostly sunny through the daylight, but clouds will begin to move in by sunset. Showers will become likely after midnight. Highs will be in the upper 60s to the lower 70s.

SEVERE STORMS POSSIBLE THURSDAY: A strong cold front will move into the state as a surface low pushes through the Ohio Valley. That will bring rain and storms to Alabama, some of which could be strong to severe. The Storm Prediction Center has much of Alabama, along with all of Mississippi, a good part of Louisiana and Arkansas, and the western half of Tennessee in a 15% risk for severe weather, which equals a level 2 out of 5 slight risk. While we are too far out to determine the exact timing and threats with this system, early signs are showing that damaging winds and a brief tornado or two will be possible. We’ll get that nailed down for you as we get a little closer to the event. Highs will top out in the upper 60s to the mid-70s.

FRIDAY: Friday will be much cooler for at least the northwestern half of the state as the cold front remains close by to our southeast. Skies will be partly sunny, with highs ranging from the upper 40s to the mid-60s from northwest to southeast.

TEMPERATURE OUTLOOK: The good news is that we don’t stay cool for long. High temperatures for the Birmingham area will rise back into the upper 50s to the lower 60s after Friday. Lows will be in the 30s and 40s.

For more weather news and information from James Spann, Scott Martin and other members of the James Spann team, visit AlabamaWx.