Sunday Afternoon Discussion; Light Snow Tonight; Posted at 4:13 p.m.

I hope you are having a great Sunday! Weather conditions will really begin to change over the next 6 to 12 hours, as a disturbance works in from the northwest. Already, showers are breaking out over much of western Alabama this afternoon, and this will continue the rest of the day. With some really cold air above the surface, we are dealing with convective showers. Later this evening, as some of the colder air works down to the surface, expect a change over to rain and snow mix late and eventually all snow after midnight. We’ll be watching rain change over later today in Mississippi. There have been some reports in the Starkville area of this changeover occurring. Graupel, which is a partially melted snow flake, fell shortly after 2 p.m. over there. At 4 p.m., light snow was falling in Greenville, MS .

As the colder air works in from the northwest, most of the area will see snow flakes flying around late tonight and early tomorrow. Most of the activity will be gone after the noon time hour. We don’t expect any travel problems at this time, but it is possible to have a quick dusting on grassy surfaces north of Tuscaloosa late tonight and early tomorrow. Most of what falls will be light and won’t last long. Temperatures are expected to remain above freezing .

Monday night, we’ll have sub-freezing temperatures, with lows near 29. A nice warm-up can be expected on Tuesday, as highs recover into the lower 50s and even lower 60s by Wednesday. Wednesday night, we’ll have showers move into the area. Temperatures will remain well above freezing, so no worries with snow then, On Thursday, morning showers will end and we’ll have sun return. Highs will be back into the middle 50s on through the weekend, with partly cloudy skies.

Richard Scott
WVUA-TV’s Weekend Weather Anchor

Saturday Evening Weather Discussion; Posted at 7:20 p.m.

Despite the cool and misty weather today, the turn out to the Iron Bowl was excellent. If you are out on the highways, be sure to take it extra easy, as the roads are wet. Highs today managed to reach 59 degrees in Tuscaloosa, but with the cloudy and rainy weather, it was just a raw day. Rain has been on an increase across out southern counties due to a surface low developing along the gulf coast. This low will continue to track south of Tuscaloosa, which will keep most of the rain south of us, but moderate rain can be expected for Greensboro, Demopolis and Linden overnight. The rain will be light in the Tuscaloosa area. Lows will bottom out at 50 degrees.

On Sunday, expect temperatures to only reach 53 before a strong cold front works through around noon. We’ll deal with a few on and off showers, but once the front passes through, temperatures will plummet into the 40s by early afternoon. As we get closer to midnight, surface temperatures will reach the upper 30s. We’ll continue to have some showers around, but as some really cold air works in aloft, expect a mix of rain and snow showers for the rest of the night for areas north of Tuscaloosa. Lows will reach 36, so don’t expect any problems on the highways or any accumulations. Monday will continue to be very chilly, as highs only reach 40 degrees. We’ll see on and off rain/snow showers. Again, with temperatures well above freezing, don’t expect any problems. If you are lucky enough to see some flakes flying around, it won’t last long and will be relatively light.

After sub-freezing temperatures Monday night, temperatures will warm into the lower 50s, with lots of sunshine. Wednesday will be even warmer, as highs jump into the upper 50s. Clouds will be on an increase, with a chance for late day showers on Wednesday. This will mainly occur during the overnight hours and will be gone by Thursday. Some cooler weather will return on Thursday and Friday, with highs in the middle 50s. Be sure to join me tonight at 10 p.m. on TV for the latest on your weather. Have a great day!

Richard Scott
WVUA-TV’s Weekend Weather Anchor

Saturday Morning Weather Update; Posted at 11:19 a.m.

Good Saturday morning to you! We are only a few hours before the kick off of the big rivalry between the Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers. The Iron Bowl is held at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa this afternoon, and there are a lot of people in town for the game. Some great news to pass along to you is that the heavy rain is now out of here. Sure, we’ll deal with on and off drizzle, but nothing like what we saw last night and early this morning. Take the rain gear with you incase a shower passes over the stadium, but most of the activity this afternoon will be light. As of 11 a.m., there is a batch of moderate mist around. Look for this to continue on and off through the rest of the day. Be sure to tune in tonight on WVUA for the latest weather forecast. I’ll have the complete look at your weather at 10 p.m. Plus, we have Sports Saturday for you that begins at 10:15 p.m. Have a great day and stay safe!

Richard Scott
WVUA-TV’s Weekend Weather Anchor

Friday Afternoon Discussion Update 4:26 PM

It has been a very cloudy day, with rain increasing in coverage across West Alabama. There has been some severe weather for our neighbors in Mississippi. Tornado warnings have been in place for Copiah and Lincoln counties in south central Mississippi. I’m not expecting severe weather across our area tonight, although a few rumbles of thunder will be possible. We will also have some heavy periods of rain and some neighborhoods may easily pickup over and inch of rain. It has felt rather mild today and we will only drop into the upper 50s for lows tonight.

Our station is located behind the north end zone of Bryant Denny Stadium, where the big Iron Bowl game will be taking place tomorrow. Thousands of fans are already arriving on campus and braving the rain this afternoon. Last year I put together a great package on past Iron Bowl weather. There has certainly been a wide variety of weather conditions for this particular game. From threatening severe weather, to wintry weather, to the famous “Run in the Mud”, this won’t be the first time both Alabama and Auburn fans have braved the elements. A steady rain will be likely for tailgating tomorrow morning and there may be a thunderstorm in the vicinity. By 2:30 we should see a back edge to the steady rain shield approaching Tuscaloosa. The steady rain should taper off to light mist or drizzle, with spotty showers possible through the rest of the day. The good thing is that models are continuing to show a break in the rain by 4:00 p.m. Hopefully, the system will pickup speed allowing for a quicker departure of the steady rain shield.

We will have spotty shower activity tomorrow night and there will also be showers possible on Sunday. Temperatures will be in the cool 50s tomorrow. By tomorrow night our temperatures will fall into the lower 50s. We will have an overcast sky, with a shower or drizzle early on Sunday. An upper air trough will swing into the region bringing a noticeable cool down. A cold northwest wind will be developing late Sunday and temperatures will fall through Sunday night. There will still be the chance for a light shower Sunday night and by Monday morning there could be a brief snow shower or rain shower. Cold air will continue to filter in however with surface temperatures above freezing we’re not expecting any problems. Be sure to join us tonight at 6:00 and 10:00 for the latest details!

Wes Wyatt
WVUA Chief Meteorologist

Thanksgiving Afternoon Update – 4:58 p.m.

HPC National Forecast Map - Click Image for Larger View

Happy Thanksgiving!  Hope you didn’t do what I did, eat too much.  The weather has been fantastic today with periods of clouds and some sunshine with mild temperatures.  We were in the middle and upper 60s this afternoon.  Unfortunately, the nice weather won’t be sticking around.

Tonight, clouds will increase and by early Friday morning, we could see a few showers in the area, especially south of Tuscaloosa.  So, if you’re going to hit some of the sales tomorrow morning, make sure you’re prepared for possible wet weather!

If you’re heading to Tuscaloosa to shop, here’s a breakdown of the forecast:

5:00 a.m. — Mostly Cloudy to Cloudy Skies — 52-Degrees — A Few Light Showers Possible — Calm Wind

7:00 a.m. — Cloudy Skies — 54-Degrees — A Few Light Showers Possible –  Calm Wind

5:00 a.m. — Cloudy Skies — 58-Degrees — A Few Light Showers Possible — Light & Variable Wind

If you’re heading to one of the shopping areas in Birmingham or Hoover, the weather will be similar with maybe a degree or two difference in the early morning temperatures.

Generally, Friday will be cloudy with periods of showers around the area.  There could be some rumbles of thunder as well, especially south of a line from Pickensville to Tuscaloosa to Clanton.  The high temperature will be 64.

Friday night, lows will be at 54-degrees and more rain is expected as a cold front moves into the area from the northwest and stalls… becoming stationary.  It will provide an axis for waves of energy to ride along through Saturday. So what does this mean for the Iron Bowl football game in Tuscaloosa Saturday afternoon? Two words: rain gear.

With that stationary front in place, and a low pressure system riding along it through west and central Alabama, expect periods of rain through Saturday.  Exact timing is tough to pinpoint, so be ready for a wet game.  Temperatures will be in the middle to upper 50s Saturday afternoon with a light wind out of the east-southeast.

As that low exits to the east Saturday evening, colder air will be pulled in behind it.  Sunday’s high temperature will be about 49-degrees.  That will come early in the day with temperatures slowly falling through the day. There could be some leftover moisture in the area, so there could be a few showers early Sunday.

Monday, with the cold air in place, and some more moisture expected, we could see some light sprinkles, or even some snow flurries… Not enough to worry about.  Highs Monday will be in the middle 40s with lows that morning in the middle 30s.

Tuesday looks to be dry with some sunshine returning, but still cold with highs in the upper-40s.

Wednesday some warmer air returns and highs will be at 60 around West Alabama.  Look for another chance of showers with our next storm system Thursday of next week.

Wes will be in with the weather on our 10:00 p.m. newscast. Friday, tune in for the latest weather on WVUA News at 6:00 and 10:00 p.m.

I’m taking a few days off… so enjoy the long holiday weekend and I’ll see you on the air in about a week!

Robert Stevenson
WVUA Weather

Wednesday Forecast Discussion Update 3:05 PM

Good Afternoon! The clouds have certainly plagued our area today and this has wreaked havoc on our temperature forecast. It has been much colder and if we see any sunshine today, we will be lucky to reach the upper 50s. I still can’t rule out a few cloud breaks during the afternoon, which would allow for a temperature spike. Tonight will be partly to mostly cloudy and cold, although I’m expecting low temperatures to be slightly above freezing.

Our forecast hasn’t changed much regarding Thanksgiving and the big day for holiday shopping. Clouds will steadily increase tomorrow, with showers possible tomorrow night. A milder south flow will allow our highs to recover into the 60s tomorrow and tomorrow night we will have lows near 50 degrees. I’m expecting a good period of rain on Friday and any thunder should be confined to southern sections of Alabama.

Things get more complicated as we enter the weekend. The rain maker on Friday will be a southern tracking storm and this feature should clear the area by early Saturday; however, an early morning shower will be possible on Saturday. The new 18Z data suggests another disturbance will take the southern route, bringing a period of rain during the day Saturday. As the Iron Bowl game kicks off in Tuscaloosa, temperatures should be in the cool 50s. I would certainly plan on carrying the rain gear for the game, as a period of light to moderate rain will be possible. Saturday night a trough in the northern branch of the jet stream will swing into the southeast. This feature may trigger a few showers, with falling temperatures.

The upper trough will open the gate to colder air, with highs only reaching the middle to upper 40s on Sunday. Some of the data even suggests a few snow flurries over the Tennessee Valley on Sunday. For now, I’m forecasting a few showers for our area on Sunday, with a cold and blustery north wind. If newer data supports the right combination of cold air and moisture, I would not be hesitant to mention a flake or two in locations like Tuscaloosa. Clouds will linger Sunday night, with a low near 35 degrees. A light shower or sprinkles will be possible Sunday night and early Monday as the arriving cold air squeezes out any lingering moisture. We will remain quite cloudy and cold through much of the day on Monday, with some clearing by Monday night. This should allow for a widespread freeze Monday night, with lows in the 20s. The upper air trough will become less amplified by Tuesday allowing for a slight warm-up by the middle portion of next week. The new model data should start rolling in soon and we will continue to tweak the forecast as needed. Be sure to join us at four, five, six, and ten for more details!

Wes Wyatt
WVUA Chief Meteorologist

Tuesday Afternoon Discussion Update 3:58 PM

The weather across the southeast is looking great for holiday travel. A high pressure area has settled into the region and this will keep us dry through tomorrow. We’ve enjoyed a sunny but cool day across West Alabama and tonight the stage will be set for a light freeze. Temperatures may drop into the upper 20s in some of the rural locations north of Tuscaloosa. Tomorrow as the sun returns, temperatures will rise into the pleasant middle 60s. You will still need a jacket tomorrow night, although temperatures will bottom out just above freezing.

 It looks like we will squeeze out a decent start to our Thanksgiving Holiday. Highs will be near 70 degrees on Thanksgiving with increasing cloud cover. The new data is hinting at the possibility of a few showers Thursday night, with rain likely on Friday. A surface low will swing across the state on Friday and this will also bring the chance for a thunderstorm. The rain will gradually taper off from west to east by Saturday morning and this should give way to dry conditions for the big Iron Bowl game in Tuscaloosa on Saturday.

As the Friday rain maker departs, this system will leave a front stalled to our south. Data continues to hint at the possibility of this front surging northward by late Sunday bringing us another opportunity rain Sunday night and early Monday. The chance for rain looks greatest in areas south of Tuscaloosa. Be sure to join us tonight for more details!

Wes Wyatt
WVUA Chief Meteorologist

Monday Afternoon Discussion Update 4:00 PM

It was nice to receive a good soaking rain across West and Central Alabama today. So far, our official Tuscaloosa rain total for the day is 0.63.” This data seems quite accurate as our weather watcher in Northport also reported 0.63.” The rain is now departing and we will have gradual clearing tonight, with cooler temperatures. Lows will be dropping into the mid to upper 30s. Tomorrow the sun will return with seasonably cool temperatures. We will have a freeze tomorrow night as high pressure moves over the state. We will also have a sunny day for Wednesday and temperatures will rise into the lower 60s. The weather across the southeast looks great for holiday travel for tomorrow and Wednesday. Our Thanksgiving is looking dry, with a bright start and cloudy afternoon. Highs on Thanksgiving will in the 60s.

I know many eyes are focused on the long range portion of our forecast as the big Iron Bowl Weekend is upon us. An upper air storm system will dig into the southwestern U.S. late in the week and this will be sending energy our way. The first disturbance arrives on Friday, providing a good chance for rain. The rain will continue Friday night and there is a good chance the rain will linger into Saturday morning. At this time the data is showing the rain departing during the morning hours, giving way just in time for the big Iron Bowl game. We should stay dry Saturday night and Sunday morning. Beyond that time, another wave of energy will move our way causing a surge of rain into the state Sunday night and into the early morning hours on Monday.

Wes Wyatt
WVUA Chief Meteorologist

Sunday Afternoon Weather Discussion; Posted at 2:02 p.m.

A good Sunday to you! The weather has turned out rather cloudy today, with a few sprinkles at times earlier this morning. That activity was associated with an upper-air system that brought clouds in here last night; it is now long gone, but clouds are on an increase ahead of our next storm system. An area of low pressure is developing over Texas, and it will drag a cold front our way late tomorrow. With cloudy skies continuing overnight, we’ll see showers begin to develop mainly after midnight. Lows tonight will reach 45 degrees. On Monday, we will deal with more cloudy skies and a good chance for rain; highs will top out in the lower 60s. Showers will continue on and off, with most everyone getting in on some rainfall by tomorrow evening; there is an 80% chance for rain on Monday. Rain showers will taper off late tomorrow night, which will set the stage for clearing skies. As the cold front works through the state, we’ll have a cool northwest breeze in here on Tuesday, but don’t expect the cold air like we dealt with over the past few days. Highs will be in the upper 50s, with lows flirting with freezing on Wednesday morning.

Sunny weather will continue to be in the forecast on Tuesday and Wednesday, but clouds will be on an increase on Thursday. Thanksgiving will hold for very nice weather; highs will be in the lower 60s, with a mix of sun and clouds. An area of low pressure will develop along the Texas coastline and move our way on Friday. We will have mostly cloudy skies around, with a widespread coverage of showers and storms. The models have trended southward with the low and now moves it right over out area. This means that we’ll have a batch of moderate rain overspread the area. The rainfall will taper off on Saturday, with partly sunny skies around for the Iron Bowl game in Tuscaloosa. It looks like the rain will be gone, but stay with us for any sudden changes in that forecast. Saturday and Sunday will be a little cooler, with highs in the upper 50s. Be sure to join us tonight on WVUA for the latest on your forecast at 10 p.m. Have a great day!

Richard Scott
WVUA-TV’s Weekend Weather Anchor

Sunday Morning Update; Posted at 9:40 a.m.

We’ve come a long way in technology and forecasting, but there are still some uncertainties about the atmosphere. We watched a weak upper-air disturbance move into Tennessee yesterday evening, which produced snow in the Smoky Mountains. What was unexpected was the rapid intensification of it; this produced clouds across much of the area. We had some really dry air at the surface all day yesterday, but a little sliver of moist air well above the surface; this aided in the development of clouds last night. Even a few light sprinkles and sleet pellets were reported across portions of west and central Alabama last night. Clouds acted as a blanked, which kept temperatures warmer .

Even though the upper-air disturbance is moving out of the way, clouds are moving in ahead of our next storm system, which is forecasted to move through on Monday. Mostly cloudy skies will stick around through the day, so don’t expect much in the way of sunshine. We’ll see a few showers developing tonight, but the better rain will hold off until Monday. Highs will be in the upper 50s to lower 60s.
Richard Scott
WVUA TV’s Weekend Weather Anchor