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The wedge, officially known as cold air damming (CAD), sure was a factor yesterday for the eastern side of the state. This is when cooler air drains into Alabama from the east; the cool air usually originates over the Northeast U.S., and slips all the way down the Appalachian Mountains (on the eastern slopes). When a wedge sets up, you can see a huge spread in temperatures from east to west. At one point yesterday afternoon, our Cheaha SKYCAM was showing 65, while Tuscaloosa was reporting 81.
The wedge is still in play this morning; it is responsible for low clouds that have actually expanded during the night; we have even had some reports of drizzle over East Alabama. So, don’t be shocked if readings again today are noticeably cooler near the Georgia border. But, we do expect the morning clouds to burn off giving way to a sunny sky for most of Alabama. If the sun does show up, we will rise into the low 80s. Pretty much the same story tomorrow.
OUR WEEKEND: I still believe moisture will be confined to the southern third of the state; the weather around here should be dry with a mix of sun and clouds, and a high around 80 on Saturday and Sunday.
FOOTBALL FORECAST: For fans traveling to Fayetteville, Arkansas for Saturday’s Alabama/Arkansas game (11:30 a.m. kickoff), the sky will be mostly cloudy, and there is a one in three chance of a shower or storm during the game. The kickoff temperature will be close to 75, rising into the upper 70s during the game. Auburn will host LSU Saturday evening at 6:45; the sky will be mostly fair with a kickoff temperature of 77, dropping to near 70 by the end of the game. And, for the high school games across Alabama tonight and tomorrow night, the sky will be mostly fair with temperatures in the low to mid 70s.
LONG RANGE: Still no sign of any major rain event for Alabama for the next two weeks. We note the GFS is trying to hint at some tropical action toward the end of the month, which makes sense. Of course, this is voodoo land and nobody know exactly what will happen if we do see a tropical pulse.
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BRIAN PETERS IN ANNISTON: The internationally beloved meteorologist will be at Quintard Mall in Anniston today for a severe weather awareness event… he will also help you to program your NOAA Weather Radio if needed. Be sure and drop by and say hello.
I will be speaking to the Little Rock Media Fellowship tonight… so I won’t be able to produce an afternoon Weather Xtreme video today due to the travel schedule, but I should be able to write a discussion from the road. Thanks to Ashley B for covering the TV shift tonight…I will back back in town early tomorrow afternoon. Enjoy the day!
