The Weather Authority: Active weather shifts south

From James Spann and the ABC 33/40 Weather Blog:

RADAR CHECK: A persistent band of rain and storms is across Central Alabama this morning. Flash flood warnings are in effect for parts of Bibb, Chilton, Coosa, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Clay, Randolph, and Chambers counties where radar suggests some places have seen over 7 inches of rain over the past 36 hours. A flash flood watch remains in effect for the central counties of the state as well.

The rain will diminish across Central Alabama later this morning, and by afternoon the main risk of showers and storms will shift into South Alabama, where SPC has defined a “marginal risk” (level 1/5) of severe thunderstorms for this afternoon and evening hours. Heavier storms there could produce strong winds and small hail; we don’t expect any tornadoes as winds become unidirectional.

North Alabama will be dry today with some sun along with a high in the low 70s.

TOMORROW: While North/Central Alabama will be dry, showers and storms are possible across the southern quarter of the state. Once again, SPC has a “marginal risk” (level 1/5) in place there, where strong wind gusts and small hail could occur with the heavier thunderstorms. The risk tomorrow is south of a line from Grove Hill to Greenville to Troy to Eufaula.

WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY: Dry air will cover Alabama, and we get a chance to dry out with sunny pleasant days and clear cool nights. Highs will be in the 60s over North Alabama, with 70s across the southern counties. Colder spots across the northern half of the state could see lows in the mid to upper 30s, but freezing temperatures are not expected.

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FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: Friday will be dry with a mix of sun and clouds expect a high in the 76-83 degree range. A significant severe weather event is expected during the day Friday north and west of Alabama, and those showers and storms will move in here Friday night. For now, it looks like the main dynamic support will be shunted well north of here thanks to an upper ridge, and the overall severe weather risk looks low. But, you have to keep a close eye on any system like this in late March and early April.

Showers and storms Saturday morning over North Alabama will shift into the southern counties off the state by Saturday afternoon; the day will be warm with a high in the low 80s in most spots. Dry air settles into the state Sunday with a mostly sunny sky highs will be in the 60s and 70s.

NEXT WEEK: Moisture begins to return Monday, and the week looks unsettled with potential for multiple rounds for rain and storms. Way too early to know if severe weather will be an issue.