James Spann
Verified- Chief Meteorologist, WBMA-TV (Birmingham, AL)
- Host, WeatherBrains
- Founder, Alabama Weather Network
Atlantique Department
AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist. WeatherBrains host. Instagram: spannwx
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Articles by James Spann
James Spann: Isaias to make landfall tonight – high winds ahead for all of Alabama
ISAIAS GETTING CLOSER TO LANDFALL: This morning Hurricane Isaias, with winds of 110 mph, is about 200 miles south/southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River. It is moving to the north/northeast at 15 mph. The hurricane will begin to accelerate today, and landfall comes tonight near Pensacola Beach. Winds will be 90-100 mph at landfall. The system will move quickly through West Alabama tomorrow morning.
James Spann: Hurricane warning for the Alabama coast; Isaias on the way
ISAIAS GROWING STRONGER: This morning Hurricane Isaias is packing sustained winds of 80 mph; the center is about 420 miles south/southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River. It is moving to the east/northeast at 9 mph. A Hurricane Warning is in now effect from Ocean Springs, MS to the Bay/Gulf County Line, FL. This includes all of the Alabama coast. Landfall is forecast near Perdido Key late tomorrow night; winds will be in the 90-100 mph range.
The Weather Authority: A Few Showers For South Alabama Later; Rain At Times This Weekend
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The Weather Authority: Dry Today With A Hot Afternoon; Rain Returns This Weekend
DRY DAY: With a mostly sunny sky, most Alabama communities will rise into the low 90s this afternoon, about ten degrees above average for the end of September. The weather stays generally dry tomorrow we expect just a few small isolated showers over South Alabama. FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: Moisture levels rise Friday, and showers are possible.
The Weather Authority: Generally Dry Through Thursday; Wet Weekend Ahead
SUNNY TUESDAY: Dry air covers Alabama this morning expect a sunny day ahead with a high between 85 and 90 degrees this afternoon. Heat levels rise a bit tomorrow; a large part of the state will see 90 degree heat with a sunny sky. The weather stays generally dry Thursday, although a few spotty afternoon showers are possible. FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: Moisture levels rise, and showers are possible Friday mainly over the southern half of the state.
The Weather Authority: Another Hot September Week Ahead
LATE SUMMER HEAT: We have a little over one week left in summer; the first day of fall (in terms of astronomy) is Tuesday September 22. The summer heat hangs tough this week as the upper ridge rebuilds across the region. LATE SUMMER HEAT: We have a little over one week left in summer; the first day of fall (in terms of astronomy) is Tuesday September 22. The summer heat hangs tough this week as the upper ridge rebuilds across the region.
The Weather Authority: Mostly Low 90s This Afternoon; A Few Isolated Storms
Mon, September 7, 2026 at 9:54 AM Updated Mon, September 7, 2026 at 9:56 AM NOT AS HOT: Heat levels will drop a bit across Alabama this week most communities will see a high between 90 and 94 degrees. Still above average, but not as hot as recent days.
The Weather Authority: Hot Summer Weekend Ahead; Spotty Afternoon Showers
Fri, July 17, 2026 at 6:07 AM Updated Fri, July 17, 2026 at 6:24 AM "Nothing like a nice sunrise over Lake Mitchell on a nice bright sunshiny day." (Submitted by Kaylee Doucet via ChimeIn) HEAT LEVELS RISING: Most Alabama communities will see a high in the 90-95 degree range through Sunday as heat levels continue to creep up across the Deep South.
The Weather Authority: Sun, Heat, And Scattered Afternoon Storms
HOLIDAY WEEKEND: The weather we experience in Alabama over the holiday weekend is exactly what we expect in early July. Hot, humid days with random, scattered showers and thunderstorms around during the afternoon and evening hours. Afternoon highs will be in the low to mid 90s. The chance of any one spot getting an afternoon storm over the northern half of the state is 25-35 percent, and 15-20 percent over South Alabama.
The Weather Authority: Hot And Humid; Scattered Afternoon Storms
Thu, July 2, 2026 at 5:59 AM Adria Stephens via ChimeIn on abc3340.com SUN AND STORMS: Hot, humid summer weather continues across Alabama today with highs in the 90s. Like yesterday, scattered thunderstorms will form during the peak of the heat, mainly over the northern half of the state. SPC has defined a level 2/5 risk of severe storms over Northeast Alabama, with a level 1/5 “marginal risk” down to Greensboro, Verbena, and Valley.
The Weather Authority: Summer Heat; Spotty Afternoon Storms
THE HEAT IS ON: Alabama’s weather won’t change much through the holiday weekend. Afternoon highs hold in the 90s, the heat index will exceed 100 during the afternoon and early evening hours. And, during the heat of the day, ransom, widely scattered showers and storms will form. The chance of any one spot getting wet is 20-30 percent through Saturday, and 30-40 percent Sunday. Best chance of seeing a passing shower will come from noon to midnight.
James Spann: Alabama’s hottest week so far this year…
HOT SUMMER WEATHER: An upper ridge will bring the hottest weather so far this year to Alabama and the Deep South this week. Highs will be in the 90s with heat index values reaching the single digits. Cooling showers will be almost impossible to find this afternoon. A wave rotating around the base of the upper high, moving in from the east, will bring the chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms to the southern 2/3 of the state tomorrow afternoon.
James Spann: Strong storms possible across Alabama later today
ACTIVE DAY: Some rain is falling across the northwest corner of Alabama early this morning… the rain is more widespread to the north over western and middle Tennessee. Showers and storms are likely over North Alabama by mid to late afternoon… they will drop southward into the central counties of the state early tonight. SPC has defined a level 2/5 risk of severe storms for roughly the northern half of Alabama, and level 1/5 risk extends as far south as Chatom, Georgiana, Troy, and Eufaula.
James Spann: Strong to severe storms likely…
RADAR CHECK: Rain is falling this morning over far North Alabama, near the Tennessee state line, but the rest of the state is dry. Highest risk of rain this morning will remain across the Tennessee Valley, but showers and storms will develop and expand southward this afternoon and tonight.
James Spann: Storms arrive after midnight tonight – more storms tomorrow night
ACTIVE WEATHER: Alabama’s weather will be active over the first half of the week with two distinct rounds of showers and storms. The first one comes after midnight tonight. SPC has defined a “marginal risk” (level 1/5) for areas north of a line from Tuscaloosa to Gadsden to Fort Payne… A line of storms will enter North Alabama around 2-3 a.m…. they should be weakening, but still capable of producing strong winds through daybreak.
James Spann: Strong or severe storms possible this afternoon, tonight - more storms Wednesday night
ACTIVE PATTERN: Alabama’s weather will be active this week, which is to be expected in mid-March. The first round of storms will come later today and tonight; SPC has a “slight risk” (level 2/5) of severe thunderstorms defined for parts of Central and West Alabama, with a “marginal risk” (level 1/5) for most of the rest of the state. The main risk of strong/severe storms will come from about 4:00 until 10:00 p.m… storms will slowly weaken late tonight.
The Weather Authority: Warm Afternoons; A Few Weekend Showers/Storms
WARM DAYS AHEAD: We expect afternoon temperatures to reach the low to mid 80s across much of Alabama through Saturday. Easily the warmest weather so far this year, and a few spots could establish new daily record highs. The weather will be dry today as an upper high continues to build over Florida. VIDEO We will bring in some risk of isolated showers tomorrow afternoon over South Alabama, and few isolated showers are possible statewide Friday. Nothing widespread or heavy.
James Spann: snow showers this morning, very cold today
Alabama Weather Network live feed: ALABAMA THIS MORNING Light snow showers fall across the northern and central parts of the state this morning. Southern Alabama is cloudy but dry. Temperatures sit in the upper teens in the north, the mid to upper 20s in central and south-central Alabama, and the low 30s in the south. A Wind Advisory in effect for most of the state except the north.
James Spann: Frigid air arrives tonight; a few snow showers
Screenshot 2026-01-30 152322 VERY COLD WEEKEND AHEAD: While temperatures are in the 50s and low 60s across South Alabama this afternoon, the Deep South will go into the deep freeze again this weekend as an Arctic front rushes through the state tonight. A few snow flurries or snow showers are likely over the northern two-thirds of the state tonight and tomorrow morning.
James Spann: very cold weekend ahead; a few snow flurries/showers tonight/tomorrow morning
Screenshot 2026-01-30 061547 FRIDAY FRONT: Another Arctic front will roll through Alabama this afternoon and tonight; ahead of the front temperatures will warm into the 50s over the southern two-thirds of the state, but the northern third of the state will likely hold in the 30s behind the front with an icy north wind. As the cold air rushes into the state, a few snow flurries or snow showers are likely over the northern two-thirds of the state tonight and tomorrow morning.
James Spann: very cold Arctic air for the weekend; snow showers tomorrow night/Sat morning?
Screenshot 2026-01-29 054733 A BIT WARMER THIS AFTERNOON: After starting the day in the 20s, we expect a high in the 50s over the southern half of the state today, with upper 40s over the northern counties. The air remains dry and the sky will be partly sunny. Clouds will increase tonight ahead of an Arctic front that will pass through the state tomorrow. A few sprinkles are possible with the frontal passage, but the air remain pretty dry, and most places won’t see any rain.
James Spann: Arctic blast for the weekend; a few snow flurries/showers
Screenshot 2026-01-29 161929 COOL DAY: Temperatures are in the 40s and 50s across Alabama this afternoon with a mix of sun and clouds. Clouds will increase tonight; expect a low tomorrow morning between 27 and 35 degrees. An Arctic front will pass through the state tomorrow. A few sprinkles or flurries are possible with the frontal passage, but the air remains pretty dry, and most places won’t see any precipitation.
James Spann: More Arctic air by the weekend; snow showers???
*** No afternoon video briefing today due to travel; I am at the AMS (American Meteorological Society) annual meeting in Houston. Videos return tomorrow *** SUNNY, COOL WINTER DAY: Temperatures are in the 40s and 50s across Alabama this afternoon with a sunny sky. Tonight will be clear and cold with lows generally in the 20s. Dry weather continues tomorrow with similar temperatures. FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: The sky becomes mostly cloudy Friday as another Arctic front rolls into Alabama.
James Spann: a few sprinkles/flurries Friday; more Arctic air for the weekend
Screenshot 2026-01-27 154411 ABOVE FREEZING: Temperatures are above freezing across Alabama of Alabama this afternoon with sunshine in full supply. Temperatures are in the upper 30s over the northern third of the state; 40s to the south. Tonight will be clear and cold, but not as cold as last night. Most communities will be in the 17-27 degree range early tomorrow morning. The weather stays dry through mid-week with a slow warm-up; highs will be in the 50s across South Alabama on Thursday.
James Spann: Frigid start today; slow warm-up through midweek
Screenshot 2026-01-27 055247 DEEP FREEZE: Here are some temperatures across Alabama just before daybreak: New Market 9 Remlap 9 Gadsden 10 Haleyville 10 Fort Payne 10 Trussville 10 Bessemer 11 Springville 11 Trenton 11 Scottsboro 12 Albertville 12 Cullman 12 Anniston 12 Pell City 12 Hueytown 12 Birmingham (Oxmoor Valley) 12 Cottondale 12 Morris 12 Huntsville 13 Decatur 13 Calera 13 Anniston 14 Birmingham 14 Muscle Shoals 15 Auburn 16 Tuscaloosa 17 Alexander City 17 Greenville 19 Eufaula 19...
Hard freeze tonight; more Arctic air invades the Deep South this weekend
HARD FREEZE: Tonight will be the coldest so far this winter season for Alabama. With a clear sky most North Alabama communities will drop into the 10-15 degree range; teens are likely to the Gulf Coast. The weather will stay dry and cold tomorrow through Thursday with highs generally in the 40s, lows in the 20s. A weak surface low in the Gulf could bring some spotty light rain to South Alabama Friday, but for now it looks like the northern counties will stay dry.
James Spann: Cold, dry days ahead for Alabama
COLD, ICY START: Temperatures are below freezing all the way to the Gulf Coast early this morning. After over two inches of rain over the weekend, and light snow flurries/showers last night, many roads over North Alabama have black ice and are not in good shape. There are some icy spots across South Alabama … just remember as you drive this morning any standing water will most likely be ice. Be very careful.
James Spann: Cold, dry days ahead for Alabama
COLD, ICY START: Temperatures are below freezing all the way to the Gulf Coast early this morning. After over two inches of rain over the weekend, and light snow flurries/showers last night, many roads over North Alabama have black ice and are not in good shape. There are some icy spots across South Alabama … just remember as you drive this morning any standing water will most likely be ice. Be very careful.
James Spann: Northwest Alabama under ice storm warning; severe storms possible in southern part of the state
WILD WEATHER WEEKEND AHEAD: We have a mix of sun and clouds across Alabama with temperatures ranging from the upper 40s across the Tennessee Valley to 70 degrees at Gulf Shores. Clouds will increase tonight ahead of a wild weather weekend.
James Spann: Ice storm warning in the Shoals; severe storms possible in South Alabama
WEATHER SMORGASBORD: You name it, we’ve got it when it comes to weather across Alabama over the weekend. Before it all starts today will be relatively quiet; with a mix of sun and clouds highs will range from the upper 40s across the Tennessee Valley today to the low 60s near the coast.
Friday Morning Update: Ice Storm Warning for North Alabama, Severe Storms Possible South
WEATHER SMORGASBORD: You name it, we’ve got it when it comes to weather across Alabama over the weekend. Before it all starts today will be relatively quiet; with a mix of sun and clouds highs will range from the upper 40s across the Tennessee Valley today to the low 60s near the coast. Here are the key messages for the Alabama weekend.
James Spann: Ice storm warning issued for northwest Alabama this weekend
RADAR CHECK: Areas of light rain continue to move through the southern 2/3 of Alabama this afternoon; we have some breaks in the overcast over the northern counties. Temperatures range from the low 50s across North Alabama to the low 70s over the far southern part of the state. Tonight will be mostly cloudy with some scattered light rain; lows will be mostly in the 40s. Tomorrow will feature more clouds than sun, but much of the day will be dry.
James Spann: Rain ahead for Alabama; some ice possible over the weekend
RADAR CHECK: A large mass of rain is moving into Alabama this afternoon ahead of a surface front; we expect periods of rain tonight and tomorrow. No ice issues; temperatures will be well above freezing tonight. Some scattered light rain is also possible Friday; highs will be in the upper 40s and low 50s. THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: A winter storm watch is in effect for the northern third of Alabama for the weekend.
James Spann: Big rain event for Alabama this weekend; some ice issues
RADAR CHECK: Large areas of rain are moving across Alabama this morning … periods of rain will continue through tonight due to a stalled surface front. Highs today will range from the upper 40s across the Tennessee Valley to the low 60s near the coast. The sky will stay mostly cloudy tomorrow; best chance of rain will be over the southeast part of the state. Many communities will be dry. IMPACT FORECAST FOR THE WEEKEND: Here is the impact forecast for Alabama concerning the weekend storm system.
James Spann: Big rain event for Alabama this weekend, some ice issues
RADAR CHECK: Large areas of rain are moving across Alabama this morning… periods of rain will continue through tonight due to a stalled surface front. Highs today will range from the upper 40s across the Tennessee Valley to the low 60s near the coast. The sky will stay mostly cloudy tomorrow; best chance of rain will be over the southeast part of the state. Many communities will be dry. IMPACT FORECAST FOR THE WEEKEND: Here is the impact forecast for Alabama concerning the weekend storm system.
James Spann: Eyes on the weekend winter weather situation for Alabama
RAIN ARRIVES LATER TODAY: Clouds will increase across Alabama today ahead of a surface front, and rain will move into the western counties this afternoon; expect a high this afternoon in the 53-63 degree range. We expect a few periods of rain tomorrow and Friday; highs will be in the 50s. WEEKEND WINTER STORM THREAT: A winter storm watch has been issued for the northern third of Alabama for the weekend.
James Spann: Major winter storm possible for North Alabama this weekend
SUNNY JANUARY DAY: The sky is sunny across Alabama this afternoon with temperatures ranging from the low 40s across the Tennessee Valley to the low 60s along the coast. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low in the 26–36-degree range. Most of tomorrow will be dry, but some rain could reach the northwest corner off the state by afternoon. Expect some scattered light rain Thursday and Friday with highs in the 48–55-degree range for most communities.
James Spann: High-impact winter storm for North Alabama this weekend
COLD, DRY AGAIN TODAY: After a sub-freezing start, look for a high in the 40s and low 50s across Alabama this afternoon, much like yesterday. Most of the state will stay dry tomorrow, although some rain could creep into the northwest corner of the state by mid to late afternoon. A few periods of rain are likely Thursday and Friday with highs in the 50-55 degree range for most communities.
James Spann: Cold and dry through tomorrow; Alabama weekend winter storm???
DRY THROUGH TOMORROW: We have a freeze all the way to the Gulf Coast this morning with clear sky. The sky will be sunny today with highs in the 40s across North Alabama, the southern counties will reach the 50s. Not much change tomorrow … but some of the colder spots across North Alabama could reach the upper teens early tomorrow morning. Clouds will increase Wednesday, and some light rain could creep into the northwest part of the state by afternoon.
James Spann: Some rain tonight in Alabama; cold, mostly dry weekend ahead
SUNNY, PLEASANT DAY: Temperatures are in the 50s and 60s across Alabama this afternoon with a good supply of sunshine. Clouds will increase this evening ahead of a cold front approaching from the north. A band of showers will accompany the front; moisture is limited and rain amounts will be light, generally under 1/4 inch. A snowflake or two is possible over the northeast corner of Alabama as the rain ends, but there will be no impact. Tomorrow will be generally dry and a bit colder.
James Spann: Some rain tonight in Alabama; cold, mostly dry weekend ahead
COLD START: Temperatures are well below freezing across Alabama early this morning. Here are some of the colder spots just before daybreak… Gadsden 17 Scottsboro 19 Pell City 19 Talladega 19 Eufaula 20 Chelsea 20 Sylacauga 21 Troy 21 Evergreen 22 Expect a nice warm-up today; with a partly sunny sky highs will be generally in the 50s today; some South Alabama communities could reach the low 60s.
James Spann: Another cold front arrives in Alabama Friday night; cold weekend ahead
SUNNY, BREEZY, COLD THURSDAY: We have a cloudless sky across Alabama this afternoon with temperatures ranging from the mid 30s across the Tennessee Valley to the upper 40s across far South Alabama. Tonight will be clear and cold with a low between 25 and 35 degrees. TOMORROW AND THE WEEKEND: Temperatures warm into the 50s tomorrow with an increasingly cloudy sky.
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James Spann: Sharply colder tomorrow in Alabama; more colder air for the weekend
RADAR CHECK: Light rain is moving through parts of North and Central Alabama this afternoon ahead of a surface cold front over southern Tennessee. Rain will end early tonight as the front move quickly southward, and much colder air will invade the state with a brisk north wind. There could be a few very light snow flurries over North Alabama tonight, but there won’t be any accumulation or impact.
James Spann: Breezy, much colder today in Alabama; another front arrives Friday night
COLD: Today will be a mostly sunny, breezy, and much colder day for Alabama with highs this afternoon ranging from the mid 30s across the Tennessee Valley to the mid 40s near the coast. An icy north wind will make it feel colder. The sky will stay mostly clear tonight, and by daybreak tomorrow most places will drop into the 20s. TOMORROW AND THE WEEKEND: Temperatures warm into the 50s tomorrow with an increasingly cloudy sky.
James Spann: Periods of rain today; much colder air arrives in Alabama tonight/tomorrow
RADAR CHECK: A large area of rain is moving across the southern half of Alabama this morning, and to the north we note showers along cold front moving into Tennessee. We will have rain at times today as the front pushes into Alabama; for most places rain amounts will be a quarter inch or less. Expect a high today in the low to mid 50s.
James Spann: some light rain tomorrow; much colder air arrives tomorrow night/Thursday
Screenshot 2026-01-13 153525 PLEASANT AFTERNOON: After a morning freeze many communities have reached the 60 degree mark this afternoon with sunshine in full supply. Clouds move in tonight ahead of a cold front that will bring the chance of some scattered light rain to the state tomorrow. Moisture will be limited, and rain amounts will be generally a quarter of an inch or less.
James Spann: Scattered light rain in Alabama tomorrow; Thursday much colder
NICE WARM-UP TODAY: This morning we have freezing temperatures all the way down to the Gulf Coast, but we warm up nicely today with low 60s by afternoon over the southern counties; 50s elsewhere. The air remains dry, and the sky will be partly to mostly sunny. Clouds move in tonight ahead of a cold front that will bring the chance of some scattered light rain to the state tomorrow. Moisture will be limited, and rain amounts will be generally one-tenth of an inch or less.
James Spann: Light rain Wednesday in Alabama; another shot of cold air arrives Thursday
SUNNY JANUARY DAY: With a mostly sunny sky, temperatures are generally in the upper 40s and low 50s across Alabama this afternoon. Tonight will be clear and cold with a low between 26 and 36 degrees. Tomorrow will be warmer; South Alabama will likely reach the low 60s with a good supply of sunshine. Clouds increase tomorrow night, however, and we will introduce the chance of some light rain Wednesday ahead of a cold front. Moisture will be limited, and rain amounts will be light.
James Spann: Sunny but cold day in Alabama; some light rain Wednesday
COLD: Temperatures are below freezing almost all the way down to the Gulf Coast early this morning, mostly in the 24-34 degree range. Expect a sunny sky today with a high between 47 and 57 degrees this afternoon. Tomorrow will be warmer; South Alabama will likely reach the low 60s with a good supply of sunshine. Clouds increase tomorrow night, however, and we will introduce the chance of some light rain Wednesday ahead of a cold front. Moisture will be limited, and rain amounts will be light.
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