SPECTACULAR SPRING DAY: With sunshine in full supply temperatures are mostly in the mid and upper 70s across Alabama this afternoon. Tonight will be clear and cool with a low between 45 and 55 degrees.
The weather looks generally dry and warmer through the rest of the week with highs returning to the low and mid 80s. A few small, isolated showers are possible over South Alabama Wednesday, and then again on Friday, but most of the state will be rain-free.
THE WEEKEND: An approaching upper trough will bring a chance of showers and thunderstorms Saturday. We note SPC has defined severe weather risks west of Alabama Thursday and Friday, but it is too early to know if we will have a risk of severe storms here over the weekend. It is important to note the weekend won’t be a total wash-out; in fact the reliable European global model is now suggesting a decent part of the day Sunday will be dry. Rain amounts Saturday will be in the 1-2 inch range over the northern half of the state, with 1/2 to 1 inch for the southern counties. Highs will be in the low 80s.
Global models suggest the weather next week will be somewhat unsettled with some chance of rain or storms on multiple days… See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
RACE WEEKEND: No doubt there will be some rain at times (along with some thunder) at Talladega Saturday, but there will be some good breaks in the rain, and the sun could pop up out at times. Sunday’s forecast is trending drier for now, but a few showers are still possible. Highs will be generally in the low 80s, lows in the low to mid 60s. We will be much more specific about timing, any risk of severe storms, etc over the next few days.
ON THIS DATE IN 1920: In a spring filled with deadly tornadoes across much of the eastern U.S., an outbreak of at least three violent tornadoes struck north Alabama the morning and early afternoon of April 20th, 1920. The worst tornado of the day first touched down in eastern Mississippi. It stayed on the ground for 130 miles as it cut a swath across Marion, Franklin, and Colbert counties in Alabama. In another tornado that day, numerous homes were destroyed in the eastern Madison County communities of Gurley and Brownsboro. The final Alabama death toll reached 92 people with hundreds more injured.
Look for the next video briefing here by 6:00 a.m. tomorrow…
