The Weather Authority: Sunny and warm today; rain returns Friday night

WARM, DRY WEATHER CONTINUES: Dry weather continues across Alabama through the day Friday with mostly sunny warm afternoons and fair pleasant nights. Highs will be in the low to mid 80s, with lows in the 50s. We note the average high for Birmingham on April 19 is 76.

FRIDAY NIGHT AND THE WEEKEND: Rain returns to the state Friday night and Saturday morning as a cold front passes through. For now it looks like the window for the most widespread rain will come from about 9:00 Friday night through 9:00 a.m. Saturday. Some thunder is possible, but severe storms are not expected with no surface based instability.

The sky will clear from west to east Saturday afternoon as cooler, drier air moves into the state. On the positive side, models have backed off on the degree of cold air advection, and we have raised forecast temperatures levels. We now expect highs ranging from the upper 60s across North Alabama to the 70s over the southern half of the state.

Sunday will be a sunny day with highs in the 67-74 degree range.

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NEXT WEEK: Monday will be dry with highs mostly in the low to mid 70s. A few isolated showers are possible Tuesday afternoon, but rain is more likely Wednesday and Thursday. Thunderstorms could be involved, but for now it doesn't look like a severe weather setup. Highs hold in the 70s through much of the week. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.

A-DAY SATURDAY: Look for a clearing sky during Saturday's spring game in Tuscaloosa at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Temperatures will be around 70 degrees with a cool north breeze.

RACE WEEKEND: Rain should be over in Talladega by noon Saturday, so they should be able to get the two races in Saturday afternoon. The high will be in the 66-70 degree range with gradual clearing.

Sunday will be a sunny day for the running of the Geico 500 with a high not too far from 70 degrees.