I know you guys are going nuts looking at the 00z run of the GFS with its extreme cold continuing and the possibility of Gulf low in fairly good placement for an Alabama winter storm Thursday. Before you start counting your chickens for snow days Thursday and Friday, remember, we like to see the whites of these model inspired winter systems before we get very serious.
It is fun to talk about though. And it is a viable solution.
For now, the main weather word is cold as we head into 2010.
The global models indicate that the cold spell may last until the middle of the month! Certainly, it looks like the next seven days will be very cold in Alabama. It is not going to be Earth shattering cold like we experienced in years like 1977, 1982, 1983, 1985 or 1989. Nor as cold as it was during major past cold waves, like 1940. But it will be a protracted cold spell, the likes of which we have not seen very many times in the past 100 years. In fact, if yesterday’s afternoon run of the GFS is right, we might not see 40F again after today until January 13th! The extended period of near and below freezing temperatures could cause problems for vulnerable people, pets and property. Begin preparing now.
NEW YEAR’S SNOWFLAKES? Rain is moving into western Alabama from Mississippi early on this first day of 2010. A few snow flurries are possible around daybreak across the area as cold air begins mixing with the back edge of the precipitation. There won’t be any problems.
Skies will clear from west to east during the day. Temperatures will warm into the lower 40s early this afternoon. The mercury will start plummeting by mid-afternoon, and won’t stop until it reaches 23F on average tomorrow morning. That could be the warmest low over the next five nights.
Bundle up as you head to the Papajohns.com Bowl at Legion Field Saturday afternoon. Temperatures will be in the upper 30s. The good news is that it will be dry for the short term.
MIDWEEK WINTRY PRECIP? There are indications that a surface low will track along the Gulf Coast at midweek. It should be south of New Orleans Thursday morning. This could mean wintry precipitation for Central Alabama Thursday. It could be snow, or freezing rain changing to snow, or a wintry mix. We will be watching intently. No other winter storms on the horizon right now in the next 2 weeks.
GOING BOWLING: The Auburn Tigers are in Tampa to take on Northwestern this morning at 10 a.m. CST in the Outback Bowl. An approaching low pressure system and front means showers, especially during the first half. A gusty northerly wind will kick in during the second half. Temperatures will be in the 60s. The rest of the weekend will be dry and cooler in Tampa. ‘Bama fans are going to find very agreeable weather in Southern California for the entire week leading up to the BCS National Championship Game. Clear skies through the period, with highs between 68-72. Lows 48-51. That wouldn’t be a bad standing weather order.
