Cool, Dry Weekend in Store

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A clear, brisk March morning greeted Alabamians this morning. Most sites across central Alabama reported lows within a couple of degrees of freezing. My temperature hit 31 this morning. Similar temperatures are forecast once again Sunday morning, so be sure to take the needed precautions to protect tender vegetation.

Our fine spring weather will continue into the first of the week, but with the projections for a wet weekend next weekend, be sure to enjoy this one. Today through Monday, a surface high pressure system will settle into the Southeastern US and gradually move eastward. As it does our temperatures will moderate with forecast highs expected to reach into the 70s by Wednesday and stay there through the end of the week.

A front moves into and washes out across the area Tuesday, so there could be some showers to contend with. With limited moisture, I don't expect to see everyone getting rain. The high position seems to reduce moisture on Wednesday though there is a lingering chance for a scattered shower.

The Gulf opens up on Thursday with a fairly strong front approaching the area on Friday and moving through Central Alabama on Saturday. Saturday appears to be the wettest day on the current model run, but timing is always a forecast issue when you get beyond about three days. Slightly faster movement and Friday would become a wet day - slower movement and Sunday could become the wet day.

This system could bring strong thunderstorms to the area, so this will bear watching. Remember, it is spring and our primary severe weather season.

Long range forecasts out 10 days to two weeks have an interesting solution with a closed low coming from southern California over into Texas. I'm not confident that the next model run will be like this one, but if that should materialize, Texas to the Atlantic coast could see a stormy period.

Don't forget our severe weather special on Sunday evening at 6 pm. Set the VCR or TIVO so you don't miss it. It brings together the material from our Storm Alert Tour.

And remember that daylight savings time begins next weekend - first Sunday in April.

Have a great weekend and spend some time with your family.

-Brian-