Showers and Storms Remain a Threat
Wednesday was a very active weather day across the state and the Southeast. We dealt with several severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado watches, but thankfully the worst of the weather stayed well to the north of our viewing area.
CHRISTMAS EVE: It remains a warm and unsettled weather pattern over the state. Though the severe weather threat is lower today, there is still a risk for a few strong and locally severe storms. The SPC maintains most of the state of Alabama in a “marginal risk” for severe weather. Showers and storms continue today, and a few of these could be strong with gusty winds, and an isolated tornado can not be ruled out. Rainfall could be heavy at times as well. Temperatures this afternoon will be in the mid to upper 70s area wide, making for almost record warmth for today.
SANTA’S RIDE: Wondering about the weather for Santa’s trip tonight. Much better weather tonight compared to last night. Santa will not have to deal with severe weather, but he still may have to dodge raindrops. Scattered showers will remain possible, and it will be a very mild night with lows only in the mid and upper 60s, which is nearly 30 degrees above average for this time of year.
CHRISTMAS DAY: Slowly improving weather, but we will still have to maintain the threat of a few showers and storms. It will be mainly cloudy, but very warm. Highs tomorrow will once again be in the upper 70s, and if by chance we see enough clearing, which would allow for some peeks of sun, we could make it to the 80s, possibly even tying or setting a new record high for Christmas Day in Montgomery. The current record is 81F set back in 1987.
WARM WEEKEND WEATHER: Both Saturday and Sunday will feature mainly cloud conditions as we stay in a very moist air mass. We will see a few scattered showers each day, but most locations should be dry. Overnight lows will be in the mid and upper 60s, while afternoon highs climb into the upper 70s and perhaps lower 80s, which could certainly set record highs for these days as well.
MORE STORMS NEXT WEEK: Another storm system will approach the Southeast by Monday. Rain chances increase Sunday night and will continue to increase Monday. Scattered showers and storms look likely and we may have to deal with the threat of severe weather once again across the state. Too early to tell any specifics with this system, but it looks to be a dynamic storm system associated with a cold front.
FINALLY COOLER AIR: By Tuesday and into the middle part of next week, it finally looks like we will be able to see cooler and drier weather return to Alabama. A cold front should move through the state and deliver the seasonal air for the last few days of 2015. That means afternoon highs should be in the upper 50s to near 60 degrees and overnight lows in the upper 30s and lower 40s. Looking past the first of the year, we still see no Arctic Air invasion into the Southeast. Any cold air we experience, will be quick snaps and not long lasting, thanks the the strong El Nino in the eastern Pacific.
Have a great day, stay weather aware, and Merry Christmas!
Ryan
