COOL: We actually have a few colder spots in the low to mid 30s across North Alabama early this morning with a clear sky; we are forecasting a high today in the 58-65 degree range with sunshine in full supply. We note the average high for Birmingham on March 17 is 67.
Tomorrow will be sunny and warmer with a high in the 70s statewide.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT COLD FRONT: Most of the day Wednesday will be dry and warm; many South Alabama communities will see a high in the low 80s. A cold front will bring a fast moving band of showers and storms into the state Wednesday night; SPC has defined a low end “marginal risk” (level 1/5) of severe thunderstorms for areas north and west of Birmingham…
A few storms along the front could produce small hail and gusty winds, but with little surface based instability and weak dynamic support the overall threat is low.
Colder, drier air rolls into the Deep South Thursday. Highs will be in the 50s for the northern half of the state with a chilly north breeze. And, by Friday morning, we are looking at lows in the 28-35 degree range over the northern half of the state, where frost is likely. Colder spots will see a late season freeze. South Alabama will see lows in the 38-44 degree range. Then, during the day, the sky will be sunny with a high in the 60s Friday afternoon.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: There is huge difference in the primary global model output, making for a very low confidence forecast. The American GFS model suggests most of the weekend will be dry, followed by a round of showers and storms Sunday night. But, the reliable European global model suggests some rain on Saturday, followed by a dry day Sunday. We will have much better clarity later this week… See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
STORM SURVEYS: Storm survey work from NWS Birmingham will continue today. So far, these are the tornado ratings from the weekend storms
Plantersville/Maplesville EF-3
Winterboro EF-2
Jackson’s Gap EF-2
Calera EF-1
West Shelby County EF-1
Bibb County EF-0
Hale/Perry County EF-0
Work will continue this week; at least 16 tornadoes likely touched down across Alabama, killing three people.
ON THIS DATE IN 1990: Showers and thunderstorms associated with a slow-moving cold front produced torrential rains across parts of the southeastern U.S. over two days. Flooding claimed the lives of at least 22 persons, including thirteen in Alabama. Up to 16 inches of rain deluged southern Alabama with 10.63 inches reported at Mobile in 24 hours. Elba was flooded with 6 to 12 feet of water causing more than 25 million dollars damage, and total flood damage across Alabama exceeded 100 million dollars. Twenty-six counties in the state were declared disaster areas.
ON THIS DATE IN 2021: A total of 25 tornadoes touched down in Alabama. This included 3 rated EF-2. The longest-track tornado was around 36.5 miles, associated with a tornado from Wayne County, Mississippi to southern Marengo County. Other tornadoes occurred with this system from Louisiana and Mississippi to Georgia and Florida.
Look for the next video briefing here by 3:00 this afternoon… enjoy the day!
Category: Alabama’s Weather, ALL POSTS, Weather Xtreme Videos
