FEELS LIKE SPRING: Temperatures are in the 60s across Alabama this afternoon with a partly to mostly sunny sky; tonight will be fair with a low in the 40s for most places. Colder spots across North Alabama will dip into the upper 30s.
We are forecasting delightful weather for the Deep South tomorrow and Wednesday; expect a good supply of sunshine both days with mild afternoons. All of Alabama will enjoy a high in the 70s Wednesday as the warming trend continues.
A surface front will bring clouds and the chance of a few showers to the Deep South Thursday, but moisture is limited, and rain amounts will be light and spotty (generally under 1/4 inch). Sunshine returns Friday; highs will be in the 60s.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Very nice weather for Alabama this weekend with sunny pleasant days and fair cool nights. Highs will in the 66-72 degree range, with lows mostly in the 40s.
NEXT WEEK: Mild weather continues with highs in the 60s and 70s; morning lows will remain well above freezing. While a few showers are possible Monday night or Tuesday, a more potent weather system will bring rain and thunderstorms to the state Wednesday and Wednesday night. Too early to know if there will be a significant risk of severe storms, but certainly something to watch in coming days. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
NOT OVER YET: Spring-like weather is ahead for the Deep South for the next 7-10 days, but understand we aren’t done with winter just yet.
*The average date of the last freeze (for Birmingham) is March 25.
*Birmingham has experienced a freeze as late as April 23 (in 1986)
*Measurable snow has fallen in Birmingham as late as April 3 (5 inches fell on April 3, 1987)
*I give the same advice every year. If you want to plant something that will be harmed by a freeze, wait until April 15.
ON THIS DATE IN 2001: Over a dozen tornadoes spawned in central and eastern Arkansas. The strongest tornado (F3) was in Desha County, with parts of a farm shop found six miles away from where it was blown apart. An 18-month-old was killed in Fulton County by an F2 tornado.
ON THIS DATE IN 2011: A EF-0 tornado briefly touched down just to the northwest of the town of Hackleburg, with winds that were approximated at 75-80 mph. Traveling on the ground for only 1/2 mile, the tornado did considerable damage to a number of chicken barns and outbuildings in the area, extensively lifting tin roofs and overhangs. The same community would be devastated by a violent EF-5 tornado two months later, on April 27, 2011.
Look for the next video briefing here by 6:00 a.m. tomorrow…
