If you’ve been keeping an eye on our forecasts the last couple days, you’ll know that today was certainly the day that you’ll have wanted to do your outdoor plans such as pumpkin patching or errands – for more reasons than one. Not only is today likely the last mild day for the next week or more, but it’s also the driest day of at least the next 3-4 days. For reference we managed an average high today of ~73 degrees, but the next several days will be lucky to peak in the lower 60s! Let’s take a look at what we’re expecting as far as rainfall and when we expect the rain to let up.
Though we stay cloudy tonight, it isn’t until early tomorrow (Sunday) morning that we see the widespread rain move on through, and the temperatures really take a plunge alongside it thanks to the front moving through. This same system is responsible for the gusty conditions too, with sustained winds in the 10-15mph winds and gusts up to 25-30mph possible, so when you combine the 3 factors of rain, a big cooldown (upper 50s-near 60), and wind, it’ll feel practically cold in comparison to what we’ve been seeing over the last few days thanks to the wind chill. This rain will last in some form all day with perhaps a few rumbles of thunder mixed in, but we’re not expecting any major thunderstorm issues due to the fact that there just isn’t that kind of heat and energy in the atmosphere. Thru Sunday night, as well as into the 1st half of Monday we’ll continue with our near washout conditions, so expect that as we’re heading into work to start the workweek.
And do keep in mind, this system is just round 1. Scattered rain will linger through Tuesday, but part 2 of the widespread rain/washout-type conditions will settle in, as of current indications, Tuesday night and into the 1st half of Wednesday. This too will suppress our temperatures so reinforces the upper or even mid 50s as highs, and will also see the chance for a rumble of thunder here and there – but again, most of what we’ll get out of these two system is pure precipitation (perhaps a heavy downpour at times here and there).
Current thinking is that these two rounds of widespread rain combined will yield a widespread 2 inches of rain, with isolated spots perhaps even higher – this is certainly welcome news as we continue to watch as portions of NW AL and Southern Middle TN develop level 3 of 5 SEVERE DROUGHT conditions, and portions of Central AL even face level 4 of 5 EXTREME DROUGHT conditions (though fortunately this level does not extend into the Tennessee Valley). We could see some localized ponding in lower areas as a result or with heavy downpours as well.
Do note, though… if we have Halloween plans, it’s looking rather likely that Mother Nature will cooperate as we dry out for the end of the week and head into a nicer pattern. Now, I’d keep my coat on hand as we stay firmly below average as far as temperatures go through the next 7-10 days, but I’d rather it be cool and dry than cool and wet, myself. Just keep an umbrella on hand through Wednesday, and be sure to keep a tight grip on it tomorrow with those gusty conditions!
