Arctic air arrives Sunday, snow chances increasing Tuesday
Saturday was fairly warm despite clouds and rain. Rain comes to an end Saturday night, and temperatures turn much colder as arctic air invades not only our area but much of the United States. By sunrise Sunday, temperatures range from the upper 30s to low 40s, with lower wind chills. Wind chill remain in the 30s Sunday, with temperatures only in the low to mid 40s despite some afternoon sunshine.
Clouds clear Sunday night, and temperatures turn very cold while north winds remain brisk. Low temperatures range from the upper teens to low 20s Monday morning. Wind chills could be in the single digits north, to low teens south. Monday remains cold despite a mostly sunny sky. Afternoon temperatures may remain in the 30s. Monday night looks very cold, with lows in the upper teens to low 20s.
Snow looks increasing likely across central and south Alabama on Tuesday. Models aligned on this scenario Friday, and remained fairly consistent Saturday. As of Saturday evening, snow potential Tuesday looks like 1 to 3 inches, with higher totals south, and lower totals north. Stay tuned for updates. Even lower-end snow totals may cause significant travel disruptions, due to sub-freezing temperatures as it arrives.
Snow may begin in west Alabama during the morning, then continue throughout the day, ultimately departing east Alabama Tuesday night. Tuesday night lows drop well below freezing, so some amount of snow and ice may remain on roads Wednesday morning. Sunshine returns Wednesday, with afternoon temperatures rising above freezing, allowing for some snow melt. However, any wet roads may re-freeze Wednesday night.
Temperatures may trend warmer by the end of the week, and more likely by next weekend. Our forecast now looks drier Thursday through Sunday. High temperatures may rebound into the 40s to low 50s Thursday and Friday. However, overnight low temperatures likely remain near or below freezing. High temperatures may approach the mid 50s Saturday, and near 60° Sunday.
