MILD JANUARY DAY: One week ago most of South Alabama had a big blanket of snow on the ground; today Mobile has reached the low 70s with a mostly sunny sky. Temperatures are generally in the 60s elsewhere with sunshine through high clouds. Tonight will be mostly fair with a low in the 40s.
Clouds will move into the state tomorrow, and some light rain is possible over the northern counties during the morning hours. But, the more meaningful chance of rain comes late tomorrow night into Friday ahead of a Pacific cold front. There is little to no surface based instability over the northern 2/3 of the state, but we do note SPC has introduced a low end “marginal risk” of severe storms for Southeast Alabama Friday.
A few storms across the southeast counties of Alabama Friday afternoon could produce gusty winds, but even there instability values are very low. For the northern half of the state, the rain should be over by midday Friday. Rain amounts for most places will be around 1/2 inch.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Expect mostly sunny mild days and clear cool nights; highs will be in the 60s Saturday, and on Sunday the high will be in the 67-74 degree range. It should be the warmest day so far this year.
NEXT WEEK: The spring-like weather continues with highs in the 60s and 70s through the week. While a few spotty showers are possible Tuesday and Wednesday, a more widespread rain event is likely by Thursday or Friday.
No sign of any snow or ice issues for Alabama through mid-February… See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
ON THIS DATE IN 1936: Eleven inches of snow was on the ground at Birmingham. It would be the city’s greatest snowfall until the Blizzard of 1993 in the Magic City. Snow fell as far south as Brewton in South Alabama. Other amounts across the state: Tuscaloosa 8 inches; Montgomery 3/4 of an inch; Gadsden 9 inches; Huntsville 9 inches; Decatur 7 inches; Anniston 10 inches and Selma 1 inch. Under the deep snow cover and clear skies, the mercury would fall to -4F at Birmingham the following morning.
ON THIS DATE IN 2002: A major three-day winter storm blasted parts of Kansas and Missouri. A catastrophic ice storm occurred south of the snow area, with two inches of ice and snow accumulating in the Kansas City, Missouri area. Thousands of trees were felled by the storm, blocking roads, felling utility lines, and causing fires. Two “Bicentennial Trees,” estimated at being over 200 years old, were badly damaged from this storm.
Look for the next video briefing here by 6:00 a.m. tomorrow…
