A nice start to the weekend: Conditions are stable across Alabama this morning, thanks to high pressure in the sky. Today will be calm, with mostly clear skies and above average temperatures. Daytime highs will reach near 70 degrees in many areas. We will see slightly cooler temperatures in the eastern counties, as easterly surface flow develops. While high clouds may roll overhead, overall humidity levels will remain limited, with no significant rain forecast until Saturday evening.
next week: We are seeing a shift in the weather pattern tonight through next Thursday. Rain will spread across Alabama Saturday night, becoming more widespread on Sunday. Rainfall totals will vary across the region but should average between a half and three-quarters of an inch, with a few isolated spots receiving more than an inch.
Temperatures on Sunday range between 45 and 50 degrees, accompanied by active winds, especially in high areas. However, as the low pressure system moves away, conditions will improve with a quick clearing and highs return to the upper 50s on Monday.
From Monday night until Thursday, high pressure will return, leading to dry and mild conditions. High temperatures will be around 60 degrees, and by midweek temperatures may reach below 60 degrees. The dry weather is expected to continue, with the next chance of rain likely to return by next Friday as another system approaches the area.
Rain will return to Alabama early Friday. It will last well into the day, but should not be extensive or heavy. Most people pick between a quarter to a half inch. There will be some thunder, but not severe weather.
On this date in 1814: Historically unique frost fairs were held in London in years when the River Thames was frozen over. It featured a group of merchants, food vendors and entertainers set up in a long walkway on the ice. Activities such as bowling and dancing are also available. The first frost fairs were held on the frozen river beginning in the 7th century. The Last Frost Fair was held from 1 to 4 February 1814, with temperatures in London falling below freezing from 27 December 1813 to 7 February 1814. Most were held during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Winters were colder then, especially during the Little Ice Age, and the river water moved more slowly due to the constriction of the Old London Bridge, which was removed in 1831.
For more weather news and information from James Spahn, Bill Murray and other members of the James Spahn team, visit AlabamaWx.
