DRY FEBRUARY AFTERNOON: Radar shows no rain across Alabama this afternoon, but the sky is generally cloudy some of the northern and western counties. Temperatures range from near 60 degrees across the northwest corner of the state to the low 70s across South Alabama. Tonight will be mostly fair with a low in the 50s.
After today moisture levels will rise, and we could see a few small, isolated showers tomorrow and Thursday.
FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: A cold front will drift down into North Alabama with an increase in showers and thunderstorms. The air will be somewhat unstable, so a strong storm is possible, but it really isn’t a classic severe weather setup. The front will stall somewhere over the northern or central counties Friday evening, then moving slowly northward during the night.
Showers and a few thunderstorms are likely statewide Saturday as the front begins moving southward again; by afternoon the reliable European global model suggests the best chance of rain will be over the southern half of the state. Afternoon highs remain in the 70s Friday and Saturday.
Colder, drier air arrives Sunday. Highs drop into the 50s for the northern 2/3 of the state, and by daybreak Monday a freeze is likely for north and central parts of the state.
NEXT WEEK: Températures won’t get of the 40s across North Alabama Monday, and a freeze is likely Tuesday morning down into the southern counties. But this cold snap won’t last long; afternoon highs will be in the upper 60s and 70s again by Thursday. Global models suggest showers and storms will likely return by Thursday or Friday… See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
ON THIS DATE IN 2008: A total of 13 tornadoes moved through Central and East Alabama. One was an EF-3 that tore through parts of Prattville and Millbrook injuring at least 50 people. The tornado touched down near the waste water treatment facility southwest of Prattville. The tornado tracked northeastward and crossed US Highway 82, US Highway 31, and Cobbs Ford Road. The southern and eastern parts of Prattville sustained significant damage. The highest winds likely occurred along Cobbs Ford Road/East Main Street near McQueen Smith Road and in the Silver Hills Subdivision. An estimated 200 residential homes and 40 businesses were damaged or destroyed.
Look for the next video briefing here by 6:00 a.m. tomorrow…
