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FRIGID FRIDAY: As expected, we are nowhere close to freezing this afternoon. In fact, Haleyville is at 19 degrees at 2:00 with snow flurries being reported. Birmingham is a toasty 26 degrees. Most of the model output statistics (MOS) suggested we could be in the mid to upper 30s today. That is why you have to toss those numbers in this kind of anomalous pattern.
OUR WEEKEND: We figure most spots will be in the 10 to 15 degree range early tomorrow, with potential for single digit lows across the colder valleys. Highs will remain in the mid 20s, and a strong vorticity max will rotate through the base of the long wave upper trough over the eastern third of the nation, and we figure it will produce a few snow flurries or snow showers despite the lack of moisture. Some of these snow showers could make the ground white in a short period of time, but no significant accumulation is anticipated.
Sunday morning will bring another round of 10 to 15 degree temperatures, and then we have a chance of rising briefly above freezing Sunday afternoon. But, considering the depth of this Arctic air, I think many communities will stay below 32, and it will be Monday before we get well above that mark. The day will be dry Sunday with a sunny sky.
ON FROZEN POND: Again, please be sure your kids know not to try and walk or skate on frozen ponds across North Alabama; the temptation is great, and the risk of the ice breaking is very high. If a child falls into the icy water hypothermia will come on in a heartbeat.
NEXT WEEK: Quite frankly, it looks like we go right back down into that magical 10 to 15 degree range Monday morning, but we finally begin to claw out way out of the deep freeze Monday afternoon with a high in the low 40s. MOS guidance remains way too warm.
Another strong vort max will rotate through here Tuesday, but for now the air looks too dry for any precipitation. The next major weather system will be in here one week from today, with a strong low pressure center moving inland from the Northwest Gulf of Mexico. For now, we will only mention rain for Alabama, but models are hinting at a big snow event possibly for places like Memphis and Little Rock. The ECMWF also suggest all rain for our state. We will have better idea of the specifics by Monday.
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My next Weather Xtreme video will be posted here bright and early Monday morning, by 7:00 a.m…. Brian Peters will handle video duty on the blog over the weekend. Have a wonderful weekend and STAY WARM!
