Monday, December 31, 2007

Weather History - Dec. 31, 2007

1929 - Greenland Ranch, in Death Valley, California, went the entire year without measurable precipitation.

1933 - A 24 hour rainfall of 7.36 inches set the stage for the worst flood in Los Angeles history. Flooding claimed 44 lives.

1947 - A late afternoon tornado touched down 10 miles north of Shreveport LA, and dissipated south of El Dorado AR. The tornado, as much as 400 yards in width, killed 18 persons. It damaged or destroyed two thirds of the structures at Cotton Valley LA.

1962 - Perhaps the worst blizzard in the history of the state of Maine finally came to an end. The storm produced 40 inches in 24 hours at Orono, and a total of 46 inches at Ripogenus Dam. Gale force winds produced snow drifts twenty feet high around Bangor. A disastrous ice storm was over Georgia and South Carolina. It ravaged the two states for days causing more than seven million dollars damage.

1963 - A snowstorm struck the Deep South. Meridian, MS, received 15 inches of snow, 10.5 inches blanketed Bay St Louis MS, and 4.5 inches fell at New Orleans LA. Freezing temperatures then prevailed for New Year's Day.

1989 - The year and decade ended on a soggy note in the eastern U.S. Thunderstorm rains pushed precipitation totals for the year to 88.32 inches at Baton Rouge, and to 75.37 inches at Huntsville AL, establishing all-time records for those two locations. Dry weather continued in California. Sacramento and San Francisco finished the month without any rain or snow, and Santa Maria reported their driest year of record with just 3.30 inches of precipitation.

New Years Eve Forecast


2008 will start off with a blast...of cold air that is. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

It will be a beautiful last day of 2007 with High Pressure in control. Look for plenty of sunshine early with a few clouds building in later this afternoon. Daytime highs will be mild in the lower 60's with winds out of the South 5-10 mph. A Cold Front will begin to approach tonight and depending on if there is enough moisture to work with ahead of the front, we could see a few showers. Otherwise, expect partly cloudy skies and overnight lows around 34.

As the Front moves out on Tuesday, colder air will filter into Central Alabama along with breezy NW winds 10-20 mph. The coldest of the air will arrive on Wednesday. Morning temperatures will be in the Teens
and Twenties! The afternoon wont be any warmer.. we will struggle to get into the Upper 30's!
BRRRRR!

With the Extreme Cold expected, now is the time to make preparations to protect pipes,
plants, and pets. Bring your pets inside, don't leave them in the cold!

I want to remind you all of the importance of being safe this weekend and New Year's Eve.
Please exercise common sense. Let's all ring in 2008 on a happy note!

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Weather History - Dec. 30

1880 - The temperature at Charlotte, NC, plunged to an all-time record cold reading of 5 degrees below zero, a record which was equalled on the 21st of January in 1985.

1917 - A great cold wave set many records in the northeastern U.S. The mercury plunged to 13 degrees below zero at New York City, and to 15 degrees below zero at Boston. Temperature readings dipped below zero at Boston five nights in a row. Berlin NH hit 44 degrees below zero in the "Great World War I Cold Wave", and Saint Johnsbury VT reached 43 degrees below zero.

1955 - Anchorage, AK, reported an all-time record snow depth of 47 inches.

1988 - Unseasonably cold weather prevailed in the southwestern U.S. A week of subfreezing temperatures in southern California claimed the lives of five people. Redding CA was blanketed with four inches of snow.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Weather History - Dec. 29

1830 - A very heavy snowstorm ushered in the "winter of the deep snow". The storm produced 30 inches of snow at Peoria IL and 36 inches at Kansas City MO. Cold and snow continued until the middle of February causing great suffering among pioneers.

1894 - A severe freeze hit Florida destroying fruit and causing considerable damage to trees.

1954 - Fort Scott, KS, was buried under 26 inches of snow in 24 hours to establish a state record.

1989 - Snow and ice prevailed from the southwestern U.S. to the Great Lakes Region. Flagstaff, AZ, received nine inches of snow in just six hours. Bitter cold weather continued over Maine. Portland ME reported a record twenty-two straight days with highs 32 degrees or colder

Friday, December 28, 2007

Weather History - Dec. 28

1839 - The third storm in two weeks hit the northeastern U.S. It brought two more feet of snow to Hartford, CT, and Worcester, MA. Whole gales swept the coast causing many wrecks.

1924 - Iowa experienced it coldest December morning of record. Morning lows averaged 25 degrees below zero for the 104 weather stations across the state.

1958 - Albuquerque, NM, received 14.2 inches of snow to establish a 24 hour record.

2003 - A severe snow storm hit northern California and southern Oregon. As much as 2 feet of snow fell along Interstate 5 closing a 150-mile stretch of the interstate, stranding hundreds of travelers. Winds from the storm caused power outages to more than 200,000 customers in California and Oregon. One man died of a heart attack after helping other drivers.

Strong Storms Today

A powerful storm system will give us showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. Hello, I'm Meteorologist Lauren Whisenhunt.

This morning we we are starting off the day with showers and thunderstorms so keep your eye to the sky when heading out the door to work. A strong area of low pressure and associated cold front will knock on our back door today giving us a good chance of rain throughout most of the day. The Storm Prediction Center has placed central Alabama under a slight risk for severe thunderstorms. The best chance of severe weather will come from the mid morning hours through the early evening. Right now, it looks like the main threats will be damaging winds and we can't rule out the possibility for an isolated tornado. Stay with CBS 42 and we'll keep you posted! The good news out of these series of disturbances is the fact that hopefully we will receive some much needed rain. Highs today will climb way above average in the low to mid 60's.

The cold front will swing through the state late tonight allowing conditions to improve by Saturday. We could see a few morning sprinkles on Saturday, but most of the day will be dry. This will not last long however. Another disturbance will give us a chance for rain late Saturday night and into Sunday. Temperatures will stay slightly above average for the weekend.

Next week arctic air will slip into the southeast giving us very chilly weather for the start of the new year.

Happy Holidays from the CBS 42 Weather Team!

Thursday, December 27, 2007

An Active Weather Pattern

A series of disturbances will end 2007 with hopefully some beneficial rainfall. Hello, I'm Meteorologist Lauren Whisenhunt.

We are starting off this morning with cloudy skies as an area of low pressure moves eastward. Throughout the day expect decreasing clouds through the afternoon hours. Daytime highs will be in the mid to upper 50's. Typically this time of year, highs are near 54 with overnight lows around 33. Tonight expect increasing clouds along with a chance for showers and thunderstorms, mainly after midnight. Lows will be near 50. Our rain/thunderstorm chances will be on the increase through the day on Friday.

Our next disturbance will be knocking on the door come late tonight into Friday. The Storm Prediction Center has put Central Alabama under a slight risk for severe thunderstorms. This next system will have more "punch" to it, therefore, we expect higher rainfall amounts. Also, this system will have more instability with it and that is why some storms could be strong at times or even reach severe limits. Stay with CBS 42 and we will definitely keep you updated.

Saturday for the most part looks to remain dry with partly cloudy skies. However, rain chances will begin to increase come Saturday night into Sunday as yet another disturbance moves through. Expect wet conditions for Sunday, then drier and cooler air moving in just in time for the new year.

Happy Holidays from the CBS 42 Weather Team!

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Back to Work Forecast

Rain is in the forecast for the next couple of days. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

This Wednesday morning, overnight lows ranged from the upper 20's to the lower 40's. We are left with low clouds this morning, as well as some patchy fog across some locations. Expect partly cloudy skies today along with daytime highs in the mid 50's.

Over the next couple of days, we will see a series of disturbances move through Central Alabama. The first will come as early as late tonight into Thursday morning. Expect a slight chance for showers tonight, otherwise, mostly cloudy. Our next disturbance will move through on Friday giving us a good chance for showers and possibly even a thunderstorm. Daytime highs will be slightly above average near 62 degrees.

There is a chance for showers on Saturday and Sunday as yet another disturbance rolls through the area. Hopefully these systems will bring us some much needed rainfall to the drought stricken Southeast!

Happy Holidays from the CBS 42 Weather Team!

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Christmas Day Forecast


Christmas day will be a nice one! Hello I'm Meteorologist Lauren Whisenhunt.

We are starting off this Christmas morning with mostly cloudy skies. Temperatures this morning ranged from the upper 20's to lower 40's. We will see a mixture of sun and clouds today with daytime highs in the mid to upper 50's. Models are currently trending towards slightly more moisture and lift with the disturbance moving eastward today. Radar is currently indicating precipitation aloft, however, the air remains dry at the surface and that is why we are not seeing any rainfall right now. However, we could see just a slight chance for rain mainly to the east of I-65 once the air becomes more saturated today.

High pressure will stick around on Wednesday allowing for partly cloudy skies and milder temperatures. Daytime highs will be slightly above average in the low 60's.

We will see a series of disturbances moving through Central Alabama towards the end of this week into the weekend. Our rain chances will begin to pick up come Thursday along with temperatures remaining slightly above average for this time of year.

Happy Holidays from the CBS 42 Weather Team!

Monday, December 24, 2007

Christmas Eve Forecast

Bundle up this Christmas Eve because we have a chilly forecast in store for us! Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

It's a beautiful, but cold start to our Christmas Eve forecast with temperatures starting off in the mid to upper 20's. With ample sunshine in place today our afternoon highs will climb to the mid to upper 50's, which is seasonable for this time of year.

Expect a few more clouds to build in tonight along with temperatures dropping back down to the freezing mark come Christmas morning. Santa should have no problems making his way through Central Alabama tonight with the quiet weather pattern in place over the next day or two. Christmas day will be beautiful with mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies along with daytime highs in the mid to upper 50's.

Happy Holidays from the CBS 42 Weather Team!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Weather Disco - Dec. 20


Hopefully you grabbed the umbrella before you went on to work this morning. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Charles Daniel.
Through the morning hours expect a cloudy but relatively rain free drive to work. We are watching a large mass of rain approaching from the West. The rain will really begin to pick up mid-morning to around Lunchtime. Periods of rain can be expected with the possibility of a few imbedded thunderstorms.

I don't expect much in the way of daytime heating. This should limit instability today. But the Upper Level disturbance may be strong enough to produce a few thunderstorms, especially south of I-20. The rain should begin to move out tonight. Watch out for some patchy fog in the morning. Friday expect a mix of Sun and Clouds with warmer temperatures. A Northerly Flow is established and dry air moves in, but its only temporary.

We look to have yet another shot of rain by the weekend. The rain chances will increase to a likely category by Saturday night. We will keep you posted on that plus update you on your Christmas forecast on CBS 42 and on wiat.com!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Weather History - Dec. 19

1777 - The Continental Army moved into encampment at Valley Forge amidst stormy winds and piercing cold. A relatively moderate winter followed.

1957 - A tornado, 200 yards in width, killed two persons along its 15-mile path from near Waldo to near Bueana Vista in southwestern Arkansas. People from one house were carried 250 yards, and cars were said to have been carried 600 yards.

1967 - A record 83 inches of snow covered the ground at Flagstaff, AZ. The heavy snows inflicted great hardships on reservations.

1987 - Thunderstorms produced large hail and damaging winds in eastern Texas and the Lower Mississippi Valley. Thunderstorms produced wind gusts to 90 mph at Venus TX and Providence LA. Rain prevailed from the Southern Plains to the Middle Mississippi Valley. Small stream flooding was reported around Columbia MO.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Weather Disco - An Average Day

It's a chilly start to your workweek. Finally it feels like the Holiday Season. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Charles Daniel.

High Pressure will continue to control our weather today. Expect a mix of sun and clouds with temperatures near normal by the afternoon hours. We will start the day cold with readings in the mid to upper 20s. Highs will top out in the mid 50s, again, very close to normal for this time of year. What continues to be far below normal is our amount of rainfall this year. The exceptional drought persists with central Alabama needing between 25 and 30 inches of rain in order to catch up! It will take MANY significant precipitation events to alleviate this devastating drought. Of course, we will accept any rain we can get.

As a Cold Front approaches on Wednesday, we could see a few scattered showers in the afternoon. Clouds will be on the increase through the day. The Front will help produce showers and perhaps a thunderstorm or two on Thursday with the aid of an upper level disturbance. We may have yet another shot of rain by the weekend.

We will keep you posted on that plus update you on your Christmas forecast on CBS 42 and on wiat.com!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Weather History - Dec. 17

1884 - A three week blockade of snow began at Portland, OR. A record December total of 34 inches was received.


1924 - A severe icestorm struck central Illinois. It coated the ground with nearly two inches of glaze at Springfield. The storm caused 21 million dollars damage along with much hardship. Ice was on the trees until the 4th of January, and electricity was not restored until January 10th.


1929 - An icestorm in western New York State resulted in much damage and hardship. A Buffalo report stated, "one was kept awake by the breaking limbs, which snapped off with a report much louder than a rifle shot."

1989 - Twenty-one cities from Kentucky to Pennsylvania reported record low temperatures for the date, including Columbus OH with a reading of 12 degrees below zero. Heavy snow continued in the Colorado Rockies. Vail received 65 inches of snow between the 14th and the 18th of December. Steamboat Springs was buried under 74 inches, and reported a total of 108 inches of snow between the 10th and the 18th of the month.

2002 - Thunderstorms preceding a strong cold front pushed into the U.S. Mississippi Valley, producing severe weather and tornadoes. Three people were killed in Missouri and Arkansas with more than 40 injuries.

Weather Disco - Chilly!


Brrrr!!! And I mean BRRRR! Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Charles Daniel.

The potent storm system that passed over Central Alabama through the
weekend in now movin' out of the New England area. It warrants
mentioning because of the troubles it has caused.

Thankfully we begin to move into a more Zonal Flow. This will allow us
several days of abundant sunshine. As we watch a weak upper level
trough and a jet streak move by us, we can expect to see a few extra
clouds on Tuesday stretching into the evening hours. I think we stay
dry however, into Wednesday. But this could change as models begin
to hint at some rain on Wednesday.. the chance seems small.

High Pressure will continue to dominate today through Tuesday. As the
High moves over us, we will have very light winds out of the North. As
the High begins to move off to the Northeast, we will begin to pick up a
slight Southerly Flow which will slowly begin to warm us by the middle
of the week.

By the second half of the week, we can expect to see a series of troughs
to move across Central Alabama. Thursday and Saturday seem to hold
our best rain chances so far.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Weather History - Dec. 14

1924 - The temperature at Helena, MT, plunged 79 degrees in 24 hours, and 88 degrees in 34 hours. The mercury plummeted from 63 above to 25 below zero. At Fairfield MT the temperature plunged 84 degrees in just 12 hours, from 63 at Noon to 21 below zero at midnight.

1987 - A powerful storm spread heavy snow from the Southern High Plains to the Middle Mississippi Valley, and produced severe thunderstorms in the Lower Mississippi Valley. During the evening a tornado hit West Memphis TN killing six persons and injuring two hundred others. The tornado left 1500 persons homeless, and left all of the residents of Crittendon County without electricity. Kansas City MO was blanketed with 10.8 inches of snow, a 24 hour record for December, and snowfall totals in the Oklahoma panhandle ranged up to 14 inches. Strong winds, gusting to 63 mph at Austin TX, ushered arctic cold into the Great Plains, and caused considerable blowing and drifting of snow.

1988 - Blowing snow was reported in western Kansas, as snow and gusty winds plagued the Central Rockies and Central High Plains. Colorado Springs CO reported thirteen inches of snow. Low pressure in Wisconsin brought heavy snow to the Lake Superior snowbelt area, with 22 inches reported at Marquette MI.

Weekend Forecast

Big changes to our weather pattern are just around the corner. Hello, I'm Chief Meteorologist, David Sawyer.


A Cold Front that slipped through Central Alabama on Thursday brought a few much needed rain showers. Although the amount of rain wasn't impressive, we'll certainly take anything we can get to help with our continued drought. A much bigger chance of rain is on the way later in the weekend. More on that in just a moment.

For the final day of the work week, expect a cool start on Friday with readings in the mid to upper 40s. By the afternoon, pleasant weather with a mix of sun and clouds will prevail. High temperatures will reach the mid 60s Friday afternoon.

Friday night will be tranquil with temperatures falling through the 50s during the evening hours and overnight lows dipping to the upper 40s.

Saturday looks to become quite wet as an area of low pressure forms in the Gulf of Mexico and moves over central Alabama. The best chance of rain looks to hold off until later in the day on Saturday with a likely chance of rain and a possible thunderstorm Saturday night. Temperatures will top out in the mid 60s Saturday afternoon with east and southeast breezes picking up between 10 and 15 mph.

As this low pressure system moves through central Alabama, the latest forecast track has this storm system pulling the moisture out of here by Sunday morning. Then, brisk northwest winds will usher in much colder air for Sunday. With the recent warm spell we've experienced, highs in the mid to upper 40s Sunday afternoon will force us to wear the heavy winter coats for outdoor activities.

As a result, get ready for a BIG chill down as we head into early next week.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Weather History - Dec. 13

1962 - A severe Florida freeze occurred. Morning lows reached 35 degrees at Miami, 18 degrees at Tampa, and 12 degrees at Jacksonville. It was the coldest December weather of the 20th century and caused millions of dollars damage to crops and foliage. In Georgia, the morning low of 9 degrees below zero at Blairsville established a state record for the month of December.

1987 - A major winter storm produced high winds and heavy snow in the Southern Rockies and the Southern High Plains. Snowfall totals in New Mexico ranged up to 25 inches at Cedar Crest, with up to three feet of snow reported in the higher elevations. Winds of 75 mph, with gusts to 124 mph, were reported northeast of Albuquerque NM. El Paso TX was buried under 22.4 inches of snow, including a single storm record of 16.8 inches in 24 hours. The snowfall total surpassed their previous record for an entire winter season of 18.4 inches. Record cold was experienced the next three nights as readings dipped into the single numbers. High winds ushering unseasonably cold air into the southwestern U.S. gusted to 100 mph at Grapevine CA.

1988 - Low pressure off the Atlantic coast produced up to a foot of snow in eastern Nassau County and western Suffolk County of southeastern New York State. Mild weather prevailed across the western half of the country. Nine cities reported record high temperatures for the date, including Goodland KS with a reading of 74 degrees.

2002 - A powerful Pacific storm system plowed into the western United States during the 13th-16th, producing high winds, heavy rains, significant mountain snowfall and causing 9 deaths (Associated Press). Rainfall amounts exceeding 10 inches occurred in parts of California, and wind gusts over 45 mph produced up to 1.9 million power outages during the period (Pacific Gas & Electric).

Weather Disco


A cold front will bring some big changes to our weather. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Charles Daniel.
Yes, it's still December, but it definitely hasn't felt like it across Central Alabama. Typically this time of year, daytime highs are near 57 with overnight lows around 36. We will continue to have temperatures well above normal for a few more days.

A Cold Front will slip through Central Alabama today with minimal affect on the Temperatures. It will begin a downward trend in temperatures, but it will be a slow one. As the Front moves through expect some scattered showers. I would also look for some late day showers post-frontal passage. It will begin to clear late today and turn colder by morning. We should finally be back in the upper 30s to lower 40's Friday morning.

For the end of the week and the weekend, temperatures will be much closer to normal for this time of year with daytime highs in the low to mid 60's on Friday under partly cloudy skies.
Saturday looks to be quite wet as an area of low pressure forms in the Gulf of Mexico and moves over central Alabama. I am going to go a degree or two warmer that David Sawyer had for my Saturday Temperatures. Although the Warm Front stays South and East of the CBS 42 viewing area, I think we may see temps climb into the Low 60's. It will be a fairly wet day as well. Look for scattered showers and perhaps a thunderstorm or two Saturday Afternoon.

I want to take a moment to mention the chance for some wintry mixed precipitation Saturday night. There are hints of some wrap-around moisture moving over the colder air and I think our extreme northern counties, Marion, Winston, and Cullman counties, could see some cold rain with a flurry or two mixed in... again... a flurry or two. That's all. No snow.. Not even a dusting..
Once this storm system moves out into Saturday night, it will pull down even colder air. Sunday we will have temperatures in the mid 40's for our Highs.. what a change!

Heading back to work on Monday will be quite a shock to those not paying attention. Morning temperatures could be in the mid to lower 20's! I have stayed conservative for the most part and held on to a 28 degree Monday morning forecast.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Weather History - Dec. 12

1988 - Cold arctic air spread from the Great Lakes Region to the Appalachian Region. Twenty-five cities, mostly in the northeastern U.S., reported record low temperatures for the date. The low of 12 degrees below zero at Albany NY was their coldest reading of record for so early in the season. Saranac Lake NY was the cold spot in the nation with a low of 28 degrees below zero.

1989 - A winter storm produced snow from northern Mississippi to the Middle Atlantic Coast, with 10.5 inches reported at Powhatan VA. Heavy snow whitened the Black Hills of South Dakota, with 36 inches reported at Deer Mountain. Thirteen cities in the north central U.S., from Minnesota to Texas, reported record low temperatures for the date, including Duluth MN and Yankton SD with morning lows of 22 degrees below zero.

1995 - A severe coastal storm is blamed for five deaths and loss of power to over one million people in Oregon and Washington. Winds at Sea Lion Caves near Florence topped out at 119 mph before problems developed with the anemometer. In Newport, a gust of 107 mph occurred downtown, while Astoria and Cape Blanco also had gusts of over 100 mph. Astoria's air pressure dropped as low as 28.53 inches, an all-time record (and comparable to the central pressure of a Category 2 hurricane!). Gusts in the Willamette Valley exceeded 60 mph.

Cooler Temperatures by the End of the Week


More Record Temperatures were recorded yesterday. But a big chill down is on the way. Hello, I'm Lauren Whisenhunt.

Central Alabama had another record setting day on Tuesday regarding temperatures. For example, Tuscaloosa had a record high of 79, which surpassed the 1979 record of 75 degrees. Birmingham had a record high of 78, which was two degrees higher than the previous record set way back in 1931. Anniston also had a record high of 77, which beat the old record of 73 set back in 1971.

Yes, it's still December, but it definitely doesn't feel like it across Central Alabama. Typically this time of year, daytime highs are near 57 with overnight lows around 36. We will continue to have temperatures well above normal for one more day.

Today will be quite warm with highs in the upper 70s. Additionally, there will be a 30 percent chance of showers.

By Thursday, a cold front will slowly slide our way giving us a better chance of rain. This cold front will also allow much colder air to build back into central Alabama by the weekend.
By the end of the week into the weekend, temperatures will be much more typical for this time of year with daytime highs in the 50's on Saturday. Saturday may also be quite wet as another shot of moisture comes our way. For Sunday, high temperatures may not get out of the 40s. How's that for a temperature turn-around! It will finally start to feel like December.

An FYI: From the National Hurricane Center, a late season tropical storm named Olga has developed. Here is the latest information:

OLGA IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST NEAR 19 MPH...31 KM/HR...AND THIS MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS. THIS MOTION SHOULD BRING THE CENTER OF OLGA NEAR THE SOUTHERN COAST OF EASTERN CUBA TODAY. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE DECREASED TO NEAR 45 MPH...70 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. SATELLITE IMAGERY INDICATES THAT OLGA HAS BECOME DISORGANIZED...AND FURTHER WEAKENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS. OLGA COULD WEAKEN TO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION LATER TODAY.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Weather History - Dec. 11

1932 - Very cold weather prevailed along the West Coast. San Francisco received 0.8 inch of snow, and at the airport the temperature dipped to 20 degrees. At Sacramento CA, the mercury dipped to 17 degrees to establish an all-time record low for that location. Morning lows were below freezing from the 9th to the 15th at Sacramento, and the high on the 11th was just 34 degrees. The cold wave dealt severe damage to truck crops and orange groves in the Sacramento Valley.

1987 - Low pressure over southwestern Ontario, Canada, brought snow and gusty winds to the North Central U.S. Winds gusted to 62 mph at Riverton WY. Snow and high winds in eastern North Dakota reduced visibilities to less than one hundred feet at times. Warm weather prevailed across the Southern Plains Region. Half a dozen cities reported record high temperatures for the date, including Del Rio TX with a reading of 89 degrees. Laredo TX and Kingsville TX tied for honors as hot spot in the nation with afternoon highs of 92 degrees.

1989 - Strong Santa Ana winds developed across southern California and parts of central California. Winds in Kern County of central California gusted to 100 mph near Grapevine. The high winds reduced visibilities to near zero in the desert areas, closing major interstate highways east of Ontario CA.

Record Warmth in Mid-December!

Well above average temperatures expected once again today. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

Yes, it's still December, but it definitely doesn't feel like it across Central Alabama. Typically this time of year, daytime highs are near 57 with overnight lows around 36. We will continue to have temperatures WELL above normal for the next couple of days.

We started off this morning with patchy fog which will give way to partly cloudy skies and daytime highs topping out near 80 degrees! Interestingly for the Birmingham Metro Area, the ALL TIME record high temperature for the month of December is 80 degrees set back in 1951.
Overnight lows tonight will be warm with readings in the upper 50s. Notice that this forecast low is our NORMAL afternoon high temperature for this time of year! Also expect more areas of fog developing after midnight.

Wednesday will also be quite warm with highs in the upper 70s. Additionally, there will be a slight chance of showers.

By Thursday, a cold front will slowly slide our way giving us a better chance of rain. This cold front will also allow much colder air to build back into central Alabama by the weekend. By the end of the week into the weekend, temperatures will be more average for this time of year with daytime highs in the 50's.

An FYI: From the National Hurricane Center, a late season Subtropical Storm Olga has developed. Here is the latest information:

(A subtropical cyclone has both characteristics of a tropical cyclone and an extratopical cyclone.)

AT 500 AM AST...0900Z...THE CENTER OF SUBTROPICAL STORM OLGA WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 18.5 NORTH...LONGITUDE 67.0 WEST OR ABOUT 60MILES... 95 KM...WEST OF SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO AND ABOUT 190 MILES...305 KM...EAST OF SANTO DOMINGO IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.
OLGA IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST NEAR 17 MPH...28 KM/HR...AND THIS GENERAL MOTION SHOULD CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT DAY OR SO. ON THIS TRACK THE CENTER OF OLGA WILL MOVE AWAY FROM PUERTO RICO LATER THIS MORNING...AND NEAR OR OVER HISPANIOLA THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 45 MPH...75 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. LITTLE CHANGE IN STRENGTH IS EXPECTED BEFORE OLGA REACHES THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC...BUT WEAKENING IS FORECAST THERE AFTER AS OLGA INTERACTS WITH THE TERRAIN OF HISPANIOLA.
WINDS OF 40 MPH EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 200 MILES...325 KM...MAINLY TO THE NORTH FROM THE CENTER.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Above Average Temperatures Continue

An area of High Pressure to the East of Central Alabama is to blame for the Warmer Temperatures. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

Yes, it's still December, but it definitely doesn't feel like it across Central Alabama. Typically this time of year, daytime highs are near 57 with overnight lows around 36. We will continue to have above average temperatures the next couple of days, along with just a slight chance for showers. Expect decreasing clouds today along with daytime highs near 74. Overnight lows tonight will be near 58 with areas of fog developing after midnight.

The strong Southerly Flow around that High Pressure to the East of us will continue to bring near record highs to the CBS 42 viewing area.

A Stationary Front to our North will continue to trap the warm, moist air which will keep the colder temperatures well to our North.

An FYI: From the National Hurricane Center!!!! (That's right the NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER! )

SPECIAL TROPICAL DISTURBANCE STATEMENT
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER
MIAMI FL 645 AM EST
MON DEC 10 2007

THE BROAD AREA OF LOW PRESSURE CENTERED ABOUT 250 MILES EAST OF PUERTO RICO HAS CHANGED LITTLE IN ORGANIZATION EARLY THIS MORNING. WHILE A CLOSED SURFACE CIRCULATION APPEARS TO BE FORMING...SATELLITE IMAGERY INDICATES THE SHOWER ACTIVITY IS REMOVED WELL TO THE NORTH OF THE LOW. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ARE ONLY MARGINALLY FAVORABLE FOR DEVELOPMENT...BUT A TROPICAL OR SUBTROPICAL CYCLONE COULD STILL FORM DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS. REGARDLESS OF FURTHER DEVELOPMENT...THIS SYSTEM COULD PRODUCE HEAVY SQUALLS AND GUSTY WINDS ACROSS THE VIRGIN ISLANDS...PUERTO RICO...AND HISPANIOLA TODAY AND TONIGHT AS IT MOVES WESTWARD AT ABOUT 20 MPH. INTERESTS IN THESE AREAS SHOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THIS SYSTEM. FURTHER SPECIAL TROPICAL DISTURBANCE STATEMENTS WILL BE ISSUED AS NECESSARY. FOR INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...CONSULT STATEMENTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL WEATHER OFFICE.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Weather History - Dec. 09

1786 - A second great snowstorm in just five days brought another 15 inches of snow to Morristown NJ, on top of the eight inches which fell on the 7th and 8th, and the 18 inches which fell on the 4th and 5th. The total snowfall for the week was thus 41 inches. New Haven CT received 17 inches of new snow in the storm. Up to four four feet of snow covered the ground in eastern Massachusetts following the storms. (9th-10th)

1987 - The fifth storm in nine days kept the northwestern U.S. wet and windy. Winds along the coast of Washington gusted to 75 mph at Oceans Shores and at Hoquiam, and the northern and central coastal mountains of Oregon were drenched with three inches of rain in ten hours, flooding some rivers. Snowfall totals in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State ranged up to 36 inches in the Methow Valley. High winds in Oregon blew a tree onto a moving automobile killing three persons and injuring two others at Mill City.

1988 - A winter storm blanketed the Southern and Central Appalachians with up to ten inches of snow. Arctic air invaded the north central U.S. bringing subzero cold to Minnesota and North Dakota.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Alabama Diversity

Alabama's unique geography and climate, with four river basins, contributes to its abundance of animals and plants. The state has more diversity than any other state east of the Mississippi River! Unfortunately, human impacts have threatened about 15 percent of these species, and Alabama has also experienced the most extinctions of any mainland U.S. state - 96 extinct species, 83 percent of which are aquatic. Rain water runoff from urban areas picks up and carries pollutants such as oil, antifreeze, and pet waste into storm drains, which eventually reach local rivers, streams, wetlands, and the Gulf, harming water quality and wildlife.

Reducing the amounts of pollutants reaching our waterways can help protect Alabama’s important ecosystems. Remember to dispose of household chemicals properly: never dump them outside or in a storm drain. Instead, take them to a household hazardous waste collection site in your community. Call 1-800-CLEANUP or visit www.cleanup.org to find a collection site near you.

(Sources: Major, Kelly M. & Major, Clinton. A home to many- Delta diversity. Mobile Bay National Estuary Program. http://www.mobilebaynep.com/site/news_pubs/news/Documents/State%20of%20Bay%20Report/e7.pdf)

Weather History - Dec. 08

1892 - A tremendous ice fall occurred at Gay Hill, TX. Ice averaged four to six inches in diameter.

1938 - The temperature at La Mesa, CA, soared to 108 degrees to set a U.S. record for the month of December.

1987 - A cold front crossing the northwestern U.S. continued to produce high winds along the coast, and heavy snow blanketed parts of the western U.S. Snowfall totals in the mountains of western Nevada ranged up to 18 inches at Heavenly Valley, and near the Boreal Ski Resort, and winds at Reno NV gusted to 56 mph. Thunderstorms over southern Florida deluged the Florida Keys with up to five inches of rain. Strong winds, gusting to 48 mph at Gage OK, ushered wintry weather into the Central High Plains. Goodland KS, which one day earlier was 63 degrees, was blanketed with two inches of snow.

1989 - A winter storm spread snow and freezing rain across much of the Atlantic Coast Region, from Georgia to New Jersey. Snowfall totals ranged up to seven inches, at Stanton VA and Tobacco MD. Up to six inches of snow blanketed the mountains of northern Georgia. More than one hundred auto accidents were reported in Gwinnett County GA.

Friday, December 7, 2007

Weather History - Dec 07, 1941

A day in history which changed the course of the United States forever. My grandfather served in the Pacific. My other grandfather served in several European campaigns. I thank you all for your service.... then and now.

The weather report for Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941...

December 7 dawned partly cloudy over the Island of Oahu. At the Federal Building in downtown Honolulu, the U.S. Weather Bureau station reported a 7:30 a.m. temperature of 73°F, with a relative humidity of 64 percent. Winds were out of the northeast at 21 mph. Cloud cover comprised 30 percent of the sky, and light precipitation—accumulating to 0.03 inches—had fallen throughout the morning, ceasing at 5:40 a.m.

Continued....

http://www.weatherwise.org/depsfull.php

Above Average Temperatures this Weekend


Warmer temperatures expected this weekend along with a slight chance for showers. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

Winds will become more Southerly today, therefore, increasing the moisture in our atmosphere. Currently dewpoints are in the 30's and are expected to climb into the mid-40's by tonight. We are starting off this Friday morning under Mostly Cloudy skies. Expect a mix of sun and clouds with warmer temperatures this afternoon. Daytime highs will be near 62.

With the cloud cover over us and the increase of moisture in our atmosphere, overnight lows will only get down into around 50 degrees. Say goodbye to the freezing temperatures the next couple of days!
Through Saturday and Sunday, a strong circulation around and area of High Pressure to our East will continue to drive in warm and moist air from the South. This will help produce temperatures in the mid 70's Saturday and Sunday.

This weekend expect partly to mostly cloudy conditions at times. It will be much warmer tomorrow with a slight chance of showers late Saturday and into Sunday.

Models differ on the timing of our next Cold Front, but right now it looks like Tuesday and Wednesday of next week could be our best chance at seeing some more showers (30-40% chance) along with cooler temperatures returning by the end of next week.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Weather History - Dec. 06

1886 - A great snowstorm hit the southern Appalachain Mountains. The three day storm produced 25 inches at Rome GA, 33 inches at Asheville NC, and 42 inches in the mountains. Montgomery AL received a record eleven inches of snow. Columbia SC received one to two inches of sleet. (4th-6th)

1970 - A windstorm toppled the National Christmas Tree at the White House.

1988 - The morning low at Bismarck, ND, was eleven degrees warmer than the record low of 25 degrees at Meridian MS, and during the afternoon half a dozen cities in the north central and northwestern U.S. reported record high temperatures for the date, including Alpena MI with a reading of 57 degrees.

Chilly Thursday Forecast

Thursday will be chilly. But near record warmth is just around the corner. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

Temperatures started out this morning at or below the freezing mark. Despite plenty of sunshine today, temperatures will still be slightly below normal in the mid 50s this afternoon. Winds will become more Easterly this afternoon 5-10 mph.

Tonight will be chilly but not quite as cold as last night with lows dipping to the upper 30s by night's end.

Friday will be milder with partly cloudy skies. Highs will reach the mid 60s for the afternoon hours.

It's going to warm-up again just in time for the weekend. Temperatures will reach the lower 70s Saturday afternoon. Near record warmth is possible on Sunday with highs in the middle 70s.

There is also a slight chance of a few showers over the weekend. However, the chance of rain is only 20 percent and most of us will remain dry.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Weather History - Dec. 05

1886 - A big snowstorm in the southeastern U.S. produced 11 inches at Montgomery AL, 18.5 inches at Rome GA, and 22.5 inches at Knoxville TN.

1953 - A killer tornado hit Vicksburg, MS, killing 38 persons, injuring 270 others, and causing 25 million dollars damage, the most damage since the forty-seven days of continuous shelling the town received in the Civil War.

Another Shot of Fall Air

A cold front will reinforce cooler air over Central Alabama. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

Today we will have mostly sunny skies with afternoon highs in the lower 60's. It's actually going to feel a little cooler than that as our day processes because winds will increase from the southwest out ahead of another dry cold front. Winds will be between 10 and 20 mph as the cold front crosses our skies this afternoon.

Tonight will be cold with lows dipping to near the freezing mark of 32 degrees. Be sure to bring your pets inside tonight!

Thursday we will see plentiful sunshine with highs in the mid 50s.

It's going to warm-up again just in time for the weekend. Temperatures will reach the lower 70s by Sunday afternoon. There is also a slight chance of a few showers over the weekend. However, the chance of rain is only 20 percent and most of us will remain dry.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Weather History - Dec. 04

1786 - The first of two great early December storms began. The storm produced 18 inches of snow at Morristown NJ, and twenty inches of snow at New Haven CT. It also resulted in high tides at Nantucket which did great damage.

1972 - Winds gusting to 70 mph sent the temperature at Livingston, MT, plunging from 52 degrees to 18 degrees in just twenty minutes.

2002 - An early season winter storm brought an expansive shield of snow and ice through much of the eastern U.S., from the lower Ohio Valley, southern Appalachians and into the Northeast. Snow accumulations of 4-8 inches were common along the northern edge of the precipitation shield, while a significant accrual of glaze occurred in the Carolinas. The storm caused at least 17 fatalities, mostly from traffic accidents (CNN). In the Carolinas, electric utilities provider Duke Power characterized the ice storm as the worst in the company's history, with 1.2 million customers or nearly half its entire customer base without power on the morning of the 5th. This surpassed electrical outages inflicted by Hurricane Hugo as it swept through the central Carolinas in September 1989.

Beautiful Tuesday Forecast

Sunny skies return today along with milder temperatures returning the next couple of days. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

It's a very cold start to our Tuesday with temperatures ranging from the mid 20's to right around the freezing mark. Definitely bundle up as you head out the door this morning!

High Pressure remains in control today. Expect plenty of sunshine today with temperatures warming up nicely this afternoon with highs close to normal in the upper 50s.

Tonight will be chilly but not quite as cold as Monday night with lows dipping to the mid 30s under mostly clear skies.

By midweek, a weak frontal system will approach us and reinforce the cooler air on Thursday. The air looks to be too dry for us to receive really any rain with it.

Our rain chances will remain small this week with only a 20% chance or less into the weekend.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Brrrrr! It's a Cold Start to Tuesday!

Expect plenty of sunshine along with a winter-like start to Tuesday. Hello, I'm Chief Meteorologist, David Sawyer.

High Pressure remains in control of our forecast today. Bundle up as you head out the door with temperatures in the upper 20s to lower 30s.

Plenty of sunshine, however, should cause temperatures to climb nicely with afternoon highs close to normal in the upper 50s.

Tonight will be chilly but not quite as cold as Monday night with lows dipping to the mid 30s under mostly clear skies.

By midweek, a weak frontal system will approach us and reinforce the cooler air on Thursday. The air looks to be too dry for us to receive really any rain with it.

Our rain chances will remain small this week with only a 20% chance or less into the weekend.

Weather History - Dec. 03

1983 - Birmingham, AL, was drenched with 9.22 inches of rain in 24 hours. The rains caused severe flash flooding which literally submerged traffic.

1987 - Stormy weather in the northwestern U.S. finally began to abate, but not before Gold Beach OR was drenched with 7.94 inches of rain in 24 hours. Low pressure spread snow from the Upper Mississippi Valley to the Central Appalachians.

1989 - Heavy snow and high winds created blizzard conditions in northern New England. Snowfall totals in Maine ranged up to 31 inches, at Limestone. Presque Isle ME reported a record 30 inches of snow in 24 hours, along with wind gusts to 46 mph.

Sunny and Breezy Today


After a brief shot of rain yesterday, its back to work today with beautiful fall weather. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.


A LAKE WIND ADVISORY HAS BEEN ISSUED AND IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM CST THIS AFTERNOON...A LAKE WIND ADVISORY INDICATES THAT WINDS WILL CAUSE ROUGH CHOP ON AREA LAKES. SMALL BOATS WILL BE ESPECIALLY PRONE TO CAPSIZING.

High Pressure builds in today and keeps us dry the first half of the week. Today expect decreasing clouds this morning with plentiful sunshine this afternoon along with breezy, northerly winds 10-20 mph. Daytime highs will be near 52 degrees. Grab a jacket as you head out the door this morning!

Tonight expect clear skies and cold temperatures. Overnight lows will be near 30. Be sure to cover up your plants and bring your pets inside tonight! Temperatures are expect to fall at or below the freezing mark.

Tomorrow we will have mostly sunny skies and daytime highs around 58 degrees.

By midweek, a weak frontal system will approach us and reinforce the cooler air on Thursday. The air looks to be too dry for us to receive really any rain with it.

Our rain chances will remain small this week with only a 20% chance or less Friday and Saturday.

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Winter Weather Awareness Week

December 3rd - December 7th, 2007
Alabama Governor Bob Riley, The National Weather Service and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency have proclaimed the week from Monday, December 3, through Friday, December 7, 2007, as Winter Weather Awareness Week in Alabama . Winter Weather Week highlights the need for being prepared for the potential dangers of a severe winter weather episode.

Here are just some of the winter storms to affect the NWS Birmingham forecast area in the past:

January 28-29, 2005 East Alabama Ice Storm: Ice accumulations of one quarter to one inch caused significant icing and widespread power outages across Randolph and Chambers counties.

March 12-13, 1993 "Storm of the Century": A foot of snow blanketed Central Alabama. Strong winds that accompanied the heavy, wet snow downed trees and power lines, leaving many people without power for days. 14 people died across the state with unknown number of people injured. Property damage exceeded 50 million dollars. During the winter storm, the American Red Cross in Alabama sheltered over 12,000 people in 108 facilities and served over 36,000 meals.

December 22-25, 1989 Severe Cold Outbreak : This outbreak killed five people in Alabama. Low temperatures for two consecutive nights dropped to the 0 to -5 degree range over the northern third of Alabama and into the single digits along the Gulf Coast. Daytime high temperatures reached only into the teens. Brisk northerly winds created wind chills ranging from 0 degrees to 15 degrees below zero across the entire state.

January 10-18, 1982 Severe Cold Outbreak: One of the most tragic outbreaks of cold weather in Alabama caused the death of 20 people and resulted in at least 300 injuries. 16,000 people were forced into emergency shelters and storm damage totaled 78 million dollars.

Central Alabama does experience winter weather--and now is the perfect time of the year to check your winter preparedness plans. Make sure your NOAA Weather Radio has fresh batteries in it. Make sure you have a means of receiving winter weather information, and be prepared in case you have no way to travel.

Additional information is available through the following brochures and links:

Alabama Winter Weather Awareness Week Brochure (PDF file, 910 kilobytes): Brochure containing facts about winter weather in Alabama, as well as safety tips.

National Winter Weather Information Page : More information from the National Weather Service on blizzards, wind chill, ice, snow, and other winter weather items.

Weather History - Dec. 02

1896 - An early season snow and ice storm struck the southeastern U.S. It produced 11 inches of snow at Charlotte NC, and six inches at Atlanta GA.

1925 - A late season hurricane caused extensive damage across the Florida peninsula, then moved off the Georgia coast crossing Cape Hatteras as a tropical storm. The storm produced whole gales along the Middle Atlantic and Southern New England coast. Winds gusted to 60 mph at Block Island RI, and reached 64 mph at Atlantic City NJ.

1970 - A tornado, 400 yards in width, touched down about one mile below the summit of Timpanogos Divide. Trees up to 18 inches in diameter were snapped, and some of the 38 inch snow cover was carried 1000 feet above the ground as the tornado traveled one mile.

Short Disco


Sunday will be a warm one and perhaps a little wet late. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Charles Daniel
Moisture is slowly going to build up on Sunday out ahead of a Cold Front that will bring us some showers Sunday Afternoon and Evening. As the Front approaches we will see a strong Southerly Flow. This will account for the moisture advection and the warmer temperatures. We should be close to 70 degrees, but it depends on when the scattered showers begin across Central Alabama. Clouds will also be on the increase throughout the day Sunday becoming Mostly Cloudy.
Sunday Night the Front will blow through Central Alabama. In fact, by your Monday Morning Commute, I think you will see plenty of sunshine and colder temperatures for the day. High's on Monday will only be in the mid 50's.
Expect tranquil weather through much of the week. I think some small rain chance will appear by next weekend, but that is a long way off. Stay tuned to CBS42 for the latest.

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Weather History - Dec. 01

1831 - The coldest December of record in the northeastern U.S. commenced. Temperatures in New York City averaged 22 degrees, with just four days above freezing, and at Burlington VT the temperature never did get above freezing. The Erie Canal was closed the first day of December, and remained closed the entire month.

1896 - The temperature at Kipp, MT, rose 30 degrees in just seven minutes, and 80 degrees in a matter of a few hours. A thirty-inch snow cover was melted in half a day.

1989 - Heavy snow blanketed the mountains of New Mexico, with 12 inches reported at the Angel Fire Ski Basin. Strong northerly winds ushering cold air into the north central U.S. gusted to 55 mph at Devils Lake ND. Low pressure over the Gulf of Alaska produced wind gusts to 69 mph at Kodiak Island.

2002 - Heavy lake effect snow fell downwind of the U.S. Great Lakes. Buffalo, New York reported 16 inches of snow, with thundersnow reported late in the afternoon. While the eastern U.S. experienced much colder than normal temperatures on December 1, much of Alaska was basking in above average warmth. Many daily temperature records were set across this region through the beginning of the month.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Low Water Levels in Alabama

USGS data show that river and reservoir levels in Central Alabama continue to be well below normal, with some of the largest impacts on the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers. At this point, it will take several inches of rain to raise water levels in major rivers and reservoirs - four inches of rain over 24 hours would raise reservoir levels by about one foot, which still would not bring them to normal winter levels.

While a small amount of rain in the forecast won't end the drought, every bit of extra moisture helps! This is a great time to make sure that your house gutters and downspouts discharge onto your lawn or another grassy area, instead of pavement. This allows rain water to slowly soak into the ground, where it helps to recharge groundwater supplies that feed our local streams and rivers.

(Sources: National Weather Service, Birmingham, AL: Drought Information for Central Alabama, November 21, 2007.
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/bmx/hydro/drought.phpUS EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, www.epa.gov/owow))

Weather History - Nov. 30

1957 - Lee slope winds enhanced by Hurricane Nina gusted to 82 mph at Honolulu, Hawaii, a record wind gust for that location. Wainiha, on the island of Kauai, was deluged with 20.42 inches of rain, and 35 foot waves pounded some Kauai beaches, even though the eye of the hurricane was never within 120 miles of the islands. (30th-1st)

1976 - MacLeod Harbor, AK, reported a precipitation total for November of 70.99 inches, which established a state record for any month of the year.

1988 - Snow in the Upper Great Lakes Region pushed the precipitation total for the month at Marquette, MI, past their previous November record of 7.67 inches. Santa Anna winds in southern California gusted to 75 mph at Laguna Peak.

Mild Weather for the Weekend!

Temperatures will be slightly above average this weekend. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

Today will be another nice day with high pressure building back into the Deep South. Afternoon temperatures will be quite pleasant in the mid 60s with winds out of the North 5-10 mph.
Tonight will be chilly with lows dipping to near 40 degrees under partly cloudy skies. If you're headed out this evening, be sure to grab a jacket because after sunset at 4:39pm temperatures will be dropping.

Saturday will have above normal temperatures with highs in the upper 60s and mostly sunny skies. Typically this time of year, daytime highs are near 60 degrees with overnight lows around 39.

Sunday will be even milder with temperatures topping out near 70 degrees. However, an approaching frontal system will bring a chance of scattered showers or thundershowers especially during the afternoon and evening hours on Sunday into early Monday.

So, other than the need for the umbrella on Sunday, enjoy a very pleasant weather pattern this weekend!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Weather History - Nov. 29

1896 - The mercury plunged to 51 degrees below zero at Havre, MT. It marked the culmination of a two week long cold wave caused by a stagnate high pressure area similar to those over Siberia during the winter. During the month of November temperatures across Montana and the Dakotas averaged 15 to 25 degrees below normal.

1969 - Dense fog along the Jersey Turnpike resulted in a chain reaction of vehicle collisions during the morning rush hour. A propane truck jackknifed and was struck by a trailer truck, and other vehicles piled into the fiery mass.

1975 - Red River was buried under 34 inches of snow in 24 hours, establishing a record for the state of New Mexico.

Another Beautiful Fall Day!


Take a jacket with you today because a cold front will move through this morning reinforcing the cool air over us. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

A dry frontal system will move through this morning bringing with it a few additional clouds. Winds will switch and become more northerly today 5-15 mph. Daytime highs will be near 62 degrees. When you factor in the breezy, northerly winds today it's actually going to feel a little cooler at times.

The breezy, northerly winds behind this dry frontal system will actually allow colder air to filter into Central Alabama tonight. Expect mostly clear skies with overnight lows once again dipping into the mid 30s.

Friday will be another beautiful day with high pressure building back into the Deep South. Temperatures will be right around average for this time of year near 64 degrees.

Our next chance of rain looks to be Sunday into Monday with temperatures in the mid-60's.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Mild Temperatures Wednesday Afternoon


Enjoy another beautiful day with mild temperatures. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

It was a cold start to our Wednesday morning with temperatures in the 30's under clear skies. Some of the colder valleys reached the upper 20's this morning. BRRR!

Today, high pressure will slide to our east and with the clockwise flow around the high, our winds will become more southeasterly. As a result, expect afternoon temperatures to be in the mid 60s with mostly sunny skies. Normal highs this time of year are near 60 with overnight lows around 39. Tonight expect partly cloudy skies with an overnight low near 42.
A dry frontal system will bring us a few additional clouds on Thursday with highs in the low to mid 60s. Winds will switch and become more northerly later on tomorrow. This northerly wind will allow colder air filter into Central Alabama with overnight lows once again dipping into the mid 30s tomorrow night.

Friday will have tranquil weather as another high pressure system build into the Deep South. Temperatures will be right around average for this time of year near 60 degrees.

Our next chance of rain looks to be by the latter half of the weekend.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Weather History - Nov. 28

1921 - New England was in the midst of a four day icestorm, their worst of record. Ice was more than three inches thick in many places following the storm, and property damage was in the millions of dollars. Northern New England received heavy snow with more than two feet reported in some areas. Overnight freezing rains continued through the day at Worcester MA while the wind increased to a gale. Streets become impassable even on foot, and whole towns were plunged into darkness without communication. The storm caused 20 million dollars damage to power lines, telephone lines and trees.

1987 - Low pressure in the Middle Mississippi Valley produced a mixture of snow and sleet and freezing rain from the Central Plains to the Upper Mississippi Valley. Snowfall totals in Iowa ranged up to ten inches at Red Oak. Totals in Nebraska ranged up to 11 inches at Shickley. Freezing rain made roads treacherous in the Twin Cities area of southeastern Minnesota. Bitter cold arctic air invaded the Northern High Plains Region. Laramie WY was the cold spot in the nation with a morning low of 18 degrees below zero.

1988 - Thunderstorms spawned five tornadoes in North Carolina during the early morning hours. A powerful tornado ripped through one of the most densely populated areas of Raleigh destroying hundreds of homes and damaging thousands more. The tornado killed four persons along its 83 mile track, and injured 154 others. Total damage was estimated at more than 77 million dollars. Click for larger image: The map below contains a zoomed view of the tornado that moved across the city of Raleigh on November 28, 1988. The fatalities, the majority of damage, and most of the injuries that occurred in Raleigh occurred between the red lines of the arrow shown below.

Weather History - Nov. 27

A photo of a Krakatoan eruption, May 27, 1883, taken one week after the eruption’s start. No more photographs were taken for next three months because of the darkness. Source: Tom Simkin and Richard S. Fiske: Krakatau 1883: The Volcanic Eruption and Its Effects” Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC, 1983, p. 16.


1883 - Fire engines were called out in New York City and New Haven, CT, as a result of the afterglow of the sunset due to vivid red ash from the Krakatoa Volcano explosion in August.

1989 - A storm system crossing the north central U.S. spread snow across the Dakotas and Minnesota. Heavy snow fell in western South Dakota, with 18 inches reported at Galena. Strong winds associated with the storm gusted to 50 mph in the Great Lakes Region and the Great Plains, with blowing dust reported in Kansas. Thunderstorms associated with the same storm system produced damaging winds in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana during the evening, with gusts to 73 mph reported east of Ypsilante MI. Unseasonably warm weather prevailed ahead of the cold front. Twenty-three cities from the Gulf coast to the Ohio Valley and the Mid Mississippi Valley reported record high temperatures for the date, including Saint Louis MO with a reading of 76 degrees.

2005 - A major winter storm affected parts of Nebraska and the Dakotas during the 27th-28th. Snowfall accumulations of 16-20 inches were observed in parts of eastern South Dakota, while wind gusts exceeding 60 mph also accompanied the snow, creating blizzard conditions. Thousands of power outages were caused by the combination of strong winds and heavy snow. In South Dakota, about 8,000 utility poles and 10,000 miles of transmission line were brought down by the storm.

Nice Weather Returns


After some welcome rain yesterday, dry weather returns today. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

We received some beneficial rain Sunday night into Monday thanks to a low pressure system and its associated cold. It was able to pull a lot of Gulf moisture up into the area ahead of the frontal system and therefore, brought us some much needed rain. Rainfall amounts ranged between 0.75 inches and nearly 2 inches. Despite this rainfall, however, we are still almost 22 inches in deficit in Birmingham. As a result, the excessive drought continues for the CBS 42 viewing area.

For today, drier air will rebuild into the Deep South causing skies to clear as the day progresses. We will start off with cloudy skies this morning due to an upper level disturbance. However, as it moves out of the area we will become mostly sunny this afternoon. Daytime highs will be near 60 with Northerly winds between 5-10 mph.

Tonight into tomorrow, the dry weather will continue. On Wednesday, expect afternoon temperatures to be near normal in the mid 60s with partly cloudy skies.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Weather History - Nov. 26

1888 - A late season hurricane brushed the East Coast with heavy rain and gale force winds. The hurricane passed inside Nantucket and over Cape Cod, then crossed Nova Scotia.

1896 - Snow and high winds hit the Northern Plains and the Upper Mississippi Valley, with a Thanksgiving Day blizzard across North Dakota. The storm was followed by a severe cold wave in the Upper Midwest. The temperature at Pokegama Dam MI plunged to 45 degrees below zero.

1988 - Thunderstorms produced severe weather over the Central Gulf Coast States during the late morning and afternoon hours. Five tornadoes were reported in Mississippi, with the tornadoes causing a million dollars damage at Ruleville, and in Warren County. In Utah, the town of Alta was blanketed with 15 inches of snow overnight, and during the day was buried under another 16.5 inches of snow.

Much Needed Rain is Falling Over Alabama

We are receiving some much needed rain today with improving conditions later this evening. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

A Cold Front will continue to move eastward today and thankfully we are receiving some beneficial rain across the CBS 42 viewing area. So far, we have seen anywhere from a 1/2 to 1 inch of rain, with some localized heavier amounts in a few locations. A surface Low associated with this cold front will continue move more on a Northeasterly path and should miss us as it moves into Western Tennessee by midday. Expect cloudy skies today with showers likely this morning, mainly to the East of I-65. This afternoon expect a chance for showers, otherwise, mostly cloudy with daytime highs near 60 degrees. We will continue to see breezy conditions today with winds out of the South initially becoming more westerly this afternoon between 5-15 mph. Tonight we can expect decreasing clouds with overnight lows around 40.

High pressure will build in tomorrow making way for mostly sunny skies and highs near 60.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Weather History - Nov. 25

1970 - The temperature at Tallahassee, FL, dipped to 13 degrees, following a high of 40 degrees the previous day. The mercury then reached 67 degrees on the 26th, and highs were in the 70s the rest of the month.

1987 - An early morning thunderstorm in southeastern Texas produced high winds which rolled a mobile home east of Bay City killing two of the four occupants. Thunderstorms produced locally heavy rains in central and eastern Texas, with nine inches reported at Huntsville, and 8.5 inches at Wimberly. Snow fell across northern and central Lower Michigan, with totals ranging up to nine inches at Cadillac.

1988 - Thunderstorms produced severe weather in Arkansas, eastern Oklahoma and northwest Texas during the day and into the night. Thunderstorms in Texas produced softball size hail at Alba, and wind gusts to 80 mph at Krum. Hail and high winds caused nearly five million dollars damage at Kaufman TX, and strong downburst winds derailed twenty-eight freight cars at Fruitvale TX.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

A Holiday Bright Idea!

Bright Idea: If you hang outdoor lights, consider trading-in larger bulbs for mini-lights or light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Mini-lights use about five percent as much energy as traditional bulbs, and LEDs use even less. LEDs also last up to 20 years, and do not generate as much heat as traditional bulbs. Regardless of the type of lights you use, add an automatic timer to avoid running lights all day. Limiting your light display to six hours in the evening can save a significant amount of energy. Also, try using the new LEDs for decorating your Christmas Tree.

(The Alliance to Save Energy. 2005. Energy-Efficiency Tips from Alliance to Save Energy Record Energy Costs, Holiday Bills. http://www.ase.org/content/news/detail/2737.)

IRON BOWL!


(Jordan-Hare Stadium)
Headed to the game? Take a jacket and an umbrella!

Tailgating: Increasing Clouds, becoming Mostly Cloudy. 46-56 F

Kickoff: Mostly Cloudy with a few Showers. 48 F, Chance of Rain 20-30%

End of Game: Mostly Cloudy with numerous Showers. 46 F, Chance of Rain 40-50%

Weather History - Nov. 24

1812 - Southwesterly winds of hurricane force sank ships and unroofed buildings at Philadelphia and New York City.

1863 - The "battle above the clouds" was fought on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga. Pre-frontal clouds obscured the upper battle- field aiding a Union victory.

1982 - Hurricane Iwa lashed the Hawaiian Islands of Niihau, Kauai, and Oahu with high winds and surf. Winds gusting to 120 mph caused extensive shoreline damage. Damage totalled 150 million dollars on Kauai, and fifty million dollars on Oahu. The peak storm surge on the south shore was six to eight feet. It marked the first time in 25 years that Hawaii had been affected by a hurricane.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Weather History - Nov. 24

Whooops! I almost forgot about the Blog today! Its the holidays. I think it might have been an overdose of Turkey Leftovers.... meaning I fell asleep. **Big thanks to Lauren for handling the blog Wednesday and Thursday while I was stuffing myself silly with Turkey and Dressing.

1909 - Rattlesnake Creek was deluged with 7.17 inches of rain in 24 hours to establish a record for the state of Idaho.

1943 - Northern New Hampshire was in the grips of a record snowstorm which left a total of 55 inches at Berlin, and 56 inches at Randolph. The 56 inch total at Randolph established a 24 hour snowfall record for the state. In Maine, Middle Dam received a record 35 inches of snow in 24 hours.

2004 - An outbreak of severe thunderstorms produced reports of 54 tornadoes across portions of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Alabama. In Texas's Hardin county, one person was killed with three injured when a tornado struck during the afternoon. (I worked this event in Meridian, Mississippi).

Thursday, November 22, 2007

NOV. 22--WEATHER HISTORY

Weather History - Nov. 22

1641 - An observer at Boston, MA, recorded a "great tempest of wind and rain from the southeast all night, as fierce as a hurricane, and thereupon followed the highest tide which we have seen since our arrival here".

1957 - Extremely destructive Santa Ana winds blew from Oxnard to San Diego and inland parts of southern California. The high winds produced a 28,000 acre brush fire on a 40-mile front west of Crystal Lake. People were ordered off streets in some areas due to flying debris.

1987 - Eight cities in the eastern U.S. reported record low temperatures for the date. Elkins, WV, reported a low of 5 degrees above zero. Gale force winds continued along the Northern Atlantic Coast.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!


A strong cold front will bring much cooler weather for Thanksgiving. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

Showers are ending this morning across Central Alabama after a strong cold front moved through the area. Behind the front, expect breezy conditions and temperatures will turn much cooler this afternoon with gradually clearing skies by tonight. Temperatures around 56 degrees at lunch time will fall through the 40s later during Thanksgiving afternoon as brisk northerly winds between 10 and 20 mph usher in this much colder air.

Mostly Clear skies will accompany cold temperatures Thursday night with lows in the mid 30s.
The BIG shopping day on Friday will be quite pleasant weather-wise with mostly sunny conditions and highs in the mid 50s.

It's a big weekend in the State of Alabama. It's time for the IRON BOWL! Right now it looks like we could see widely scattered showers on Saturday at Auburn along with cool temperatures. Highs should be in the mid to upper 50's with partly sunny skies. We have a 30% chance for rain during tailgating festivities. At game time, the chance of rain will increase to 40%. It will be around 50 degrees at the 7pm kickoff with temperatures falling to the upper 40s by the end of the game. So have the rain coat available as the chance of rain increases into Saturday night as you pull for your favorite team at the Iron Bowl in Auburn.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

November 21--Weather History


1985 - Hurricane Kate made landfall during the evening hours near Mexico Beach, FL. Wind gusts to 100 mph were reported at Cape San Blas FL. It was the latest known hurricane to hit the U.S. so far north.

1987 - Squalls in the Lower Great Lakes Region and the Upper Ohio Valley produced 14 inches of snow at Snowshoe WV, and nearly eight inches at Syracuse NY. Eleven cities in the eastern U.S. reported record low temperatures for the date. Record lows included 21 degrees at Pinson AL, 9 degrees at Syracuse NY, and 8 degrees at Binghamton NY. Gale force winds lash the Middle and Northern Atlantic Coast, and the strong northwesterly winds produced wind chill readings as cold as 30 degrees below zero. Winds gusting to 60 mph at Trumansburg NY toppled a chimney onto a nearby truck.

Thanksgiving Eve Forecast

Storms threaten the busiest travel day of the year. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

A strong cold front will bring periods of showers and thunderstorms to Central Alabama this afternoon into tonight. Temperatures are starting off our day in the mid 50s to low 60s with mostly cloudy skies. Our forecast models have been fairly consistent calling for a good chance of showers and thunderstorms developing Wednesday afternoon and continuing into Wednesday night/early Thursday morning. The Storm Prediction Center has put the NW part of Alabama under a slight risk for severe thunderstorms. Stay with CBS 42 and we'll definitely keep you updated. The primary threat right now looks to be strong straight line winds.

Expect a chance of lingering showers through the morning hours on Thanksgiving. Behind the front, we will see breezy conditions and temperatures will turn much cooler Thursday afternoon.

It's a big weekend in the State of Alabama. It's time for the IRON BOWL! Right now it looks like we could see widely scattered showers on Saturday at Auburn along with cool temperatures. Highs should be in the mid to upper 50's with partly sunny skies. We have a 30% chance for rain during tailgating festivities and at game time that will increase to a 40% chance. It will be 51 degrees at the 7pm kickoff with temperatures falling to the upper 40s by the end of the game.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Weather History - Nov. 20

1900 - An unusual tornado outbreak in the Lower Mississippi Valley resulted in 73 deaths and extensive damage across Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee.

1914 - The high temperature of 28 degrees at Atlanta, GA, was their earliest daily high below the freezing mark.

Stormy Weather Mid-Week

Springlike weather prevails for one more day. But changes are just around the corner. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

Fair skies will start off our day with temperatures yet again on the warm side come this afternoon. Highs will be in the mid 70's with plentiful sunshine. We will begin to see more of a southerly flow today which will allow moisture to increase across the area ahead of the next storm system approaching us from the northwest.

The continuing concern by mid week will be a developing storm system that will affect our forecast on Wednesday. Our forecast models have been fairly consistent calling for a good chance of showers and thunderstorms developing Wednesday afternoon and continuing into Wednesday night/early Thursday morning. The Storm Prediction Center has put us under a slight risk for severe thunderstorms. Stay with CBS 42 and we'll definitely keep you posted on the lasted information.

Expect a chance of lingering showers through the morning hours on Thanksgiving. Behind the front, we will see breezy conditions and temperatures turning much cooler Thursday afternoon.
It's a big weekend in the State of Alabama. It's time for the IRON BOWL! Right now it looks like we could see a few widely scattered showers on Saturday at Auburn along with cool temperatures. Highs should be in the mid to upper 50's with partly sunny skies. The chance of rain is 30 percent during tailgating hours. At game time, expect a chance of showers as well from kickoff at 7pm with temperatures falling to the upper 40s by the end of the game.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Weather History - Nov. 19

1987 - A sharp cold front pushed across the Great Lakes Region and the Mississippi Valley. Northwest winds gusting to 50 mph in Iowa caused some property damage around Ottumwa, and wind chill readings reached 16 degrees below zero at Hibbing MN. Showers and thunder- storms over Florida produced 5.80 inches of rain in six hours at Cocoa Beach.

1988 - Strong thunderstorms developed during the mid morning hours and produced severe weather across eastern Texas and the Lower Mississippi Valley into the wee hours of the night. Thunderstorms spawned twenty-one tornadoes, including thirteen in Mississippi. One tornado killed two persons and injured eleven others at Nettleton MS, and another tornado injured eight persons at Tuscaloosa AL. Thunderstorms produced baseball size hail in east Texas and northern Louisiana, and Summit MS was deluged with six inches of rain in four hours.

2003 - Flooding affected the central Appalachians and Eastern Seaboard, with some isolated 8-inch rainfall totals across mountainous areas. There were 11 deaths caused by flooding in the region.

Thanksgiving Week Forecast

A few welcome showers yesterday have ended and we will start off the week with patchy dense fog. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

A weak frontal boundary that moved through the area yesterday produced only a Trace of rain across much of Central Alabama. Behind the Front, High Pressure builds in from the North and make way for partly cloudy skies. However, after the light rain we received yesterday, it has left a very moist air mass in place across the area. Therefore, we are starting off our Monday with patchy areas of dense fog with visibilities as low as 1/4 mile. The fog should mix out around mid morning making way for partly cloudy skies. After a rather mild start to the morning, temperatures will climb into the low 70's this afternoon along with a light Southerly flow.

Tuesday will be on the warm side with above average temperatures. Highs will be in the mid 70's with plentiful sunshine. We will begin to see more of a Southerly Flow on Tuesday which will allow moisture to increase across the area and help feed a storm system approaching us from the West.

The continuing concern in the long term will be that developing storm system out West. The models have been fairly consistent with a possible severe weather situation developing Wednesday Night through the morning hours on Thanksgiving. The models have hinted at the possibility of a slow down, meaning that the stronger storms could be Thursday Morning through mid day.

It's a big weekend in the State of Alabama and yes, I'm talking about the Iron Bowl! Right now it looks like we could see a few widely scattered showers on Saturday along with cooler temperatures. Highs should be in the mid to upper 50's with partly cloudy skies. Chance of rain is 20%.