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TODAY/TOMORROW: We are beginning this day with sub-freezing temperatures, mostly in the 20s. Most places are somewhere between 23 and 29, but we should warm nicely into the mid 50s today with a strong January sun. Tomorrow will be warmer with a high around 60, but clouds will begin to increase during the day in advance of the approaching storm system.
NASTY WINTER STORM ALONG I-40: While we are mild and dry tomorrow, a big time ice and snow event will shut down Oklahoma, with potential for widespread power outages over the southern part of the state, and heavy snow north of I-40 in the colder air. That messy storm will roll east along I-40, ultimately impacting much of Arkansas and Tennessee tomorrow night into Friday. Winter storm watches are up for much of this region, so if you are trying to get to Little Rock, Memphis, or Nashville, be aware that could be a big challenge with snow and ice accumulation likely.
HERE IN ALABAMA: A soaking rain is likely Friday, with amounts of 1 to 2 inches during the day. Then, as colder air moves in from the north, there is a narrow window for the rain to change over to a light wintry mix on the back side of the departing storm, Temperatures will drop to near freezing after midnight Friday night into early Saturday morning, and there could be enough precipitation for a little bridge icing, so keep that in mind if you are driving then. But, no doubt the big problems will be up north over Tennessee.
SATURDAY/SUNDAY: Saturday promises to be a cold, blustery day. We will have a hard time getting out of the 30s with a brisk north wind, and there will be some risk of morning snow flurries. The coldest morning will be early Sunday with a low in the 18 to 23 degree range, but we warm to near 50 Sunday afternoon with a sunny sky.
Bottom line is that there won’t be any big changes in our forecast package this morning, we can be very thankful we are getting away with mostly rain with this one. As always, things could change, so keep an eye on the forecast in coming days. Be sure and watch the Weather Xtreme video for all of the graphics that go along with this discussion/forecast.
NEXT WEEK: The active pattern continues, with rain likely Tuesday, and then again at the end of the week Thursday or Friday.
LIVE CHAT: We are now offering a real time chat here on the blog… open blog comments will stay in place, of course, but this will allow a more immediate method of communication for weather geeks. We do have moderators posted over there, so be sure and play nice. Members of our weather team will be there from time to time to answer questions; we will post those times we are available here on the blog.
STORM ALERT 2010 BEGINS TOMORROW NIGHT: Our annual severe weather tour across Alabama kicks off this tomorrow evening, Thursday January 28 in Winfield at First Baptist Church. You can meet the ABC 33/40 Weather team, see some amazing Alabama weather stories, learn how to keep your family safe this tornado season, and win some cool stuff. The show begins at 7:00; be sure and get there early to get a good seat. See the entire tour schedule here!
WEATHER BRAINS: Don’t forget you can listen to our weekly 30 minute netcast anytime on the web, or on iTunes. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including our meteorologists here at ABC 33/40. You can even listen here on the blog; look for the player on the top left.
I will be doing a weather program this morning at Mount Laurel Elementary in Shelby County… look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 3:30 this afternoon. Enjoy the day!
