HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — After a beautiful weekend filled with sunshine and mild temperatures, the Tennessee Valley is about to see a drastic change in the weather pattern.
Monday will be a quiet day for the area with temperatures mild but winds and clouds will be increasing.
A south-southeast wind on Monday will filter moisture and warm air into the region ahead of the cold front. This will set the stage for locally heavy rainfall.
Isolated rain showers will be possible first in Northwest Alabama early evening before becoming widespread after midnight. The steadiest and heaviest rain will spread west to east late Monday night through the Tuesday morning commute.
Rain will end west to east Tuesday during the afternoon hours as the front tracks farther to the east.
Rain totals are forecast to range from 0.50 to 1.00 inches, isolated higher amounts will be possible.
Higher totals will be associated with thunderstorms, downpours, or training rain bands. Training bands means multiple moderate to heavy rain bands moving over a single location multiple times.
Winds will be turning strong ahead of the cold front beginning Monday afternoon. Gusts on 30 to 40 mph will be possible. Isolated higher gusts in the higher terrain are possible. Isolated power outages or down tree branches are possible. Take the time now to secure loose outdoor items like decorations or garbage cans.
Coldest Air Since March:
A shift in the weather pattern will support a drastic change in the temperatures for the region. Above the surface, a strong upper-level low will track into the Great Lakes Region leading to a trough digging into the jet stream. As this happens colder air is filtered in.
At the same time, a strong cold front will track southeast through the Tennessee Valley. Behind the front, a northwest wind will filter colder air into the region. This will lead to some of the coldest air since March.
Though we will see a significant drop in temperatures, there are no signs we’ll be breaking any records.
Though highs late week and into the weekend will fall into the low to mid-50s, it will not be the coldest on record for Huntsville. Highs would need to be nearly 10-15 degrees colder for the forecast highs to come near records.
Morning temperatures beginning Thursday will be in the 30s and this trend continues into the weekend. Record lows for Huntsville during this period are in the teens.
Ahead of the cold snap late week get your hat, gloves, and winter jacket out of the closet. You also want to make sure your furry friend has a safe and warm place to go.
Make sure to stick with the Weather Authority for the latest on the cold and rain chance!
