Strong Storms in Forecast Tomorrow

A stronger storm system will move through Central Alabama on Thursday bringing us some additional relief from the drought. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

Yesterday at the Birmingham International Airport, a high temperature of 74 degrees tied the record (set back in 1949) for January 8. Additionally, a cold front produced a strong line of thunderstorms that dropped nearly three quarters of an inch of precious rainfall at our CBS 42 studios near downtown Birmingham last night. Elsewhere, the storms caused some damage. Fayette County, for example experienced large hail and winds exceeding 60 mph that caused some trees to topple.

For today, expect partly cloudy skies with just a slight chance for a shower later on today. Daytime highs will be in the mid 60s.

Tonight, winds will become more southerly and we will begin to see an increase in Gulf moisture. Therefore, increasing our chance of rain tonight.

A stronger cold front will approach us tomorrow and bring with it the possibility for severe weather. The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK has put all of Alabama under a slight risk for severe weather. This frontal system will be pulling in warm, moist and unstable air into Central Alabama, which will heighten our chance for strong to severe thunderstorms. The latest forecast information available shows the front bringing the highest threat of severe weather late Thursday into Thursday night.

Stay with CBS 42 as we monitor these storms for you.

Once this cold front moves through, much colder air will return our weather to feel more like the season of winter. Our 7 day forecast calls for high temperatures in the 40s by the first of next week with lows in the 20s. So don't forget where you put your winter coat!