The new ABC 33/40 SkyCam Network is an exciting new addition to our weather toolbox. These new cameras will enable us to show you a live sky view anytime, during severe weather and on nice weather days as well. Each SkyCam site will have a live camera, fully controllable from our weather center (zoom, pan, tilt) along with a complete weather station.

On Wednesday, engineers from ABC 33/40 and Stratus Station, the company in Hamilton who developed the SkyCam network for us, installed a new unit at Cheaha State Park, the highest point in Alabama. Long time readers know my fondness for Cheaha; I think every Alabamian needs to visit the park at least once to see the beauty we have in this state.

The Cheaha camera is mounted on the roof of the restaurant, which gives a rather amazing, unobstructed view of the western sky. You can see the cities of Talladega and Munford, along with the beautiful countryside. We will have a great view of any storm that rolls through that part of East Alabama, which, of course, is the point of installing the network. Of course, during the winter season we will be able to see lots of snow and ice on that mountain, with an elevation of 2,407 feet. Next time you are at the Cheaha Restaurant (great buffet, by the way, check out the SkyCam unit on the roof.

Other SkyCam sites planned for the next two months include Gulf Shores (that one will be atop a high condominium complex right on the beach), Gadsden, Clanton, Cullman, Demopolis, Shelby County, downtown Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Jasper. We also have the ability to use a SkyCam unit at Hamilton, which is operated by the Marion County EMA. Even more SkyCam sites will be installed in years to come!

Our SkyCam site at Hamilton is down to 38 degrees with a wintry mix... looking at the camera up there it looks like some light rain/sleet/snow mixed.

I have 57 on my thermometer here at ABC 33/40 in Riverchase.

Evaporative cooling playing a big role in bringing down temps in NW Alabama. Seems like where you see the bright banding on our radar... we have sleet involved along with some snow flakes. Very interesting...

The Thursday afternoon map discussion video is on the server:

http://beta.abc3340.com/weather/video.hrb

As expected, I am seeing large areas of rain on our radar system this afternoon, but also as expected, hardly any of it is reaching the ground. A quick scan of all surface observations around the state reveals no precipitation at 2:00 p.m. Dewpoints are mostly in the 25 to 30 degree range, which means very dry air continues near the surface.

Oddly enough, we just received a report of snow flurries in Starkville (Mississippi State campus). Remember, evaporation is a cooling process and the low levels can get colder than you might expect in a situation like this. Columbus AFB is reporting 45 degrees.

Cool and dry weather will continue through the weekend. Highs in the 50s, lows well down in the 30s. Some of the colder spots should wind up in the 20s each morning (like today... see J.B.'s list below).

NEXT WEEK: The system on Tuesday of next week continues to look pretty unimpressive. It will bring a chance of showers, but rainfall amounts probably won't be heavy, and severe thunderstorms should not be an issue.

A stronger system is due in here in the March 31-April 1 time frame... some risk of strong storms or heavy rain with that one if the GFS is correct.

Yet another wet weather system is advertised on the 12Z GFS around April 5.

PRIME TIME SPECIAL: Don't forget our Storm Alert 2006 prime time special this Sunday evening from 6:00 until 7:00 on ABC 33/40...we will feature all of the video elements from our weather tour across the state last month.

Will try to have some pictures of J.B. Elliott on the basketball court posted here this evening. Stay tuned! The next map discussion video will be on the server by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow...

Below freezing at several locations in Alabama on this Thursday morning. Here is a selected short list:

27 at Black Creek with light to moderate frost (NE Etowah County)
29 in Crossville and Mentone
30 in Vinemont (Cullman Airport)
31 in Pinson
32 in Collinsville and Cottondale
33 in Hayden and at Huntsville Airport
34 at Birmingham Airport
35 at Anniston Airport
36 in Vestavia (Birmingham Area) and Albertville
37 at Tuscaloosa Airport
39 at Shelby County Airport

SNOW FLURRY REPORT: We received a report at 8:02 am from Josh Reidinger of some snow flurries atop Shades Mountain in Vestavia

The Thursday morning map discussion video is on the server:

http://beta.abc3340.com/weather/video.hrb

Just noticed the dogwoods are blooming nicely this morning at the first light of dawn. While my favorite season of the year is fall, there is something special about this time of the year when everything comes to life after the long winter. Easter will be here shortly...

RAIN TODAY? Clouds cover much of Alabama this morning, but as we have discussed here in recent days the chance of measurable rain looks really small simply due to the dry air in the low levels. A few sprinkles might reach the ground, and that is about it. This will probably be a day with lots of green on radar, but most of that will evaporate before getting to the surface.

A chill will remain in the air for several more days; thickness values suggest highs in the 50s, and lows in the 30 to 35 degree range through Sunday. No rain over the weekend with dry air holding in place.

NEXT WEEK: This thing next Tuesday sure looks marginal now for rain. The GFS continues to back off on the strength and available moisture with the system, and we might have to do the same in our forecasts if the trend continues. Next week will be warmer; a good chance we go back into the 70s by the middle of the week. That will feel good after this cold snap.

LONG RANGE: The GFS (06Z run) is hinting at a chance of rain and storms now around April 1 and April 7, but that is all voodoo at this point.

It just dawned on me I never posted pictures here of J.B. Elliott showing off his basketball skills at Jason Simpson's place this past weekend. I have a little trip I will be taking this morning, but I will try to get some of those posted this afternoon or tonight. J.B. knows how to play "string music".

The next map discussion video will be on the server by 3:30!