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TODAY: The calendar says March, but the weather will feel like January. We hold in the 40s all day today with a chilly northwest wind which will make it feel colder. To the north, a little light drizzle or a few snow flurries will be possible over the northern third of the state, mainly north of U.S. 278 (Hamilton to Cullman to Gadsden). Not exactly a Chamber of Commerce day. The sky should clear tonight, setting the stage for a freeze for many places early tomorrow. Looks like lows will be in the 27-34 degree range.
RIVER FLOODING: While the heavy rain is long gone, please note that major rivers in Alabama will remain in flood for several days. For example, the crest on the Tombigbee River at Demopolis is expected to come Saturday morning at 75 feet, which is 7 feet above flood stage. Numerous cabins will be flooded near the confluence of the Tombigbee and the Black Warrior Rivers. See the latest river information anytime here.
RAIN UPDATE: Birmingham’s official rain total yesterday was 2.68 inches, a daily record for March 8. The total for the year is up to 12.64″, which gives us a surplus of 1.28″ for 2011. About the only major reporting station in Alabama that still has a deficit for the year is Tuscaloosa, where they need 1.37″ to get back to average values for mid-March.
TOMORROW AND THE WEEKEND: A nice warming trend begins tomorrow afternoon with a high in the mid to upper 50s. Then, over the weekend, we are expecting a good supply of sunshine Saturday and Sunday with afternoon highs between 67-71 degrees.
NEXT WEEK: Lots of model madness making for a low confidence forecast. The 06Z GFS has backed off on the idea of showers early in the week… we will maintain a chance of showers late Monday and Monday night… if the 12Z GFS keeps the drier trend going, we will revise the forecast. Mid-week looks pleasant with generally dry conditions Tuesday and Wednesday with a high up in the low 70s. Rain seems likely at the end of the week late Thursday or Friday, but too early to determine just how much rain, and if strong thunderstorms will be involved.
VOODOO LAND: See the Weather Xtreme video for long range ideas… still no sign of any really serious cold snap over the next 15 days, although it looks like we might make a run at a sub-freezing morning around Saturday March 19 if the 06Z GFS verifies.
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I will be doing a weather program this morning at Piedmont Elementary School in Calhoun County… look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 3:30 or so this afternoon. Enjoy the day!
