WARMER: With a mostly sunny sky, we are forecasting a high in the 77-83 degree range this afternoon. Then, expect highs in the 80s statewide over the weekend. We will mention a small risk of a shower over the northeast corner of the state tomorrow afternoon, otherwise the weekend will be dry with partly to mostly sunny days and fair nights.
NEXT WEEK: The warm, dry pattern continues. No chance of meaningful rain through the week with highs in the upper 70s and low to mid 80s. Long range output from global models suggest no big risk of rain through the end of March, which is very unusual since this tends to be the wettest time of the year across the Deep South. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
ON THIS DATE IN 1976: Twelve tornadoes touched down across Alabama, including an F3 in Cullman County that moved from near Simcoe to Baileyton. A total of 38 trailers were destroyed. The tornado also damaged 15 businesses, 47 homes, 20 chicken houses, 34 barns, a school, and a church. Seventeen people were injured. Another F3 touched down in Blount County near near Cleveland to Snead damaging 15 houses and 3 mobile homes. Two mobile homes were destroyed along with 6 barns and 2 sheds. Eleven people were injured there…