Splendid Spring Weekend

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Sunshine and blue sky are the story today. It has been a gorgeous Saturday across the state, and after the active week of weather, we sure need it. A lot of folks across South-Central Alabama are seeing similar scenes to this one I took earlier today.

The frontal boundary is pushing south through the state of Florida, and we are seeing high pressure move into the Southern Plains. Since it is to our west, the clockwise flow around it means our flow will be out of the northwest today. Our winds have increased this afternoon, and it has been quite breezy at times, and a touch cool. Highs will hold in the mid to upper 60s for much of South-Central Alabama.

CHILLY NIGHT AHEAD: Clear sky tonight will allow temperatures to fall into the upper 30s and lower 40s. Our winds will stay up as well, and that should keep the boundary layer mixed and should prevent frosty conditions. You will need the jackets tonight, and first thing tomorrow morning. Below is forecast model output for tomorrow morning. Not an official forecast, but a general idea of what to expect at 7AM tomorrow morning.

SUPERB SUNDAY: After the chilly start, we are going to warm up nicely under a sun-filled sky. Our winds, will be on the order of 7-14 mph out of the northwest, but temperatures will be several degrees warmer than today. Lower to mid 70s should embrace much of South-Central Alabama.

STAYING DRY: Surface ridging builds in for Monday, and after another cool start, mid-40s, we see no reason why afternoon highs will not make it well into the 70s. A weak shortwave moves through Monday, and that should allow for cooler temps Tuesday with highs back in the lower to mid 70s. The first half of the week will see lots of sunshine and we stay dry as moisture levels remain low.

NEXT CHANCE OF RAIN: A vigorous storm system moves of the Rockies and into the Great Lakes midweek. We will see a cold front swing across the southern tier of states and that will allow for a chance of showers and storms late Wednesday into Thursday. The dynamics will be well to the north, and though moisture levels will slowly be increasing, it just doesn’t appear we are going to see any strong of severe storms with the event. Definitely some great news!

ANOTHER COOL SNAP: The cold front will move through rapidly as a deep trough dives south out of Canada Friday and into next weekend. We are going to see drier and much cooler weather return. Look for sun to return Friday and temperatures will be in the upper 60s and lower 70s. For Saturday and Sunday, we stay dry, with lots of sunshine, and temperatures looks to be below average. It still looks as though the heart of the cold air stays north and east of Alabama, but portions of Alabama may have to deal with frosty conditions next weekend. Despite the cooler weather threat, expect an overall gorgeous weekend of weather.

Have a great night!
Ryan