SUNNY AND COLD: The low this morning in Birmingham was 17°, which is a record for the date, the previous record was 18° set in 1963. It is warmer today than yesterday, but still cold by Alabama standards; with sunshine in full supply temperatures are reaching the 40s this afternoon. Tonight will be clear and cold with lows in the lower to mid 20s across Alabama.
BIRMINGHAM ALMANAC: For February 21st, the average high for Birmingham is 61° and the average low is 40°. The record high is 83° set in 2018, while the record low is 18° set in 1963. We average 0.18” of precipitation on this date and the record value is 5.46” set in 1961.
WARMING TREND: Over the weekend, the warming trend begins with highs returning to the 50s tomorrow and Sunday; lows will still be below freezing. Both days will be dry and Saturday will feature plenty of sunshine, while more clouds than sun are expected on Sunday. We note a few isolated showers are possible Sunday across the Gulf Coastal sections of the state as weak disturbance moves through the Gulf.
SPRING-LIKE NEXT WEEK: The warm-up continues and temperatures will be climbing well into the 60s Monday and Tuesday with widespread 70s expected by Wednesday. A cold front will bring some showers late Wednesday into Thursday, but rain amounts should be generally 1/2 inch or less and there is no threat of severe weather at this time. Cooler air flows back into the state Friday with highs near average values this time of year; upper 50s and lower 60s. No big ticket weather items are on the forecast the next 7-10 days.
WORLD TEMPERATURE EXTREMES: Over the last 24 hours, the highest observation outside the U.S. was 110.5F at Onslow Airport, Australia. The lowest observation was -69.0F at Vostok, Antarctica.
CONTIGUOUS TEMPERATURE EXTREMES: Over the last 24 hours, the highest observation was 85F at Indio, CA. The lowest observation was -20F at Columbus, NE.
