By Jim Stefkovich, Meteorologist, Alabama Emergency Management Agency
CLANTON – All winter weather warnings and advisories have been cancelled for the state as of 7 am Saturday. However, snow and ice remain across many areas.
Temperatures are forecast to rise to just above freezing statewide by 10 am, and abundant sunshine is forecast. Maximum temperatures are forecast to reach the 40s today (Saturday). However, my experience is that snow on the ground acts like a refrigerator. Where significant snowfall occurred, especially in the area bounded east of I-65, south of I-59 and north of I-85, temperatures may struggle to reach 40 degrees.
Concerning melting on roads, with so many trees across the state near roads, even without leaves creates many areas that remain shaded throughout much of the day. Thus, melting will be slower in shaded regions, and complete melting may not occur.
Be extremely cautious while driving today, allow extra time and drive much slower than normal. It is very possible you could drive miles without any trouble and then suddenly hit an icy patch of roadway.
The map shows the overnight low temperatures tonight. Low temperatures will generally be in the 20s statewide with some exceptions. Notice the darker blue region, south of I-59, east of I-65 and north of I-85. In this area, temperatures will drop to 15-20 degrees, and normally colder valleys could see readings as low as 10 degrees. Again, this is due to extensive snow cover that will aid in producing lower temperatures.
The good news is that a warming trend will occur Sunday through early next week, but most of the state will again drop below freezing Sunday night.
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