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From meteorologist Brian Peters, at AlabamaWX.com:
It would appear that Central Alabama will be able to enjoy a lovely day as we see plenty of sunshine and temperatures recovering nicely with highs well into the 50s and some spots possibly reaching 60 to 62 degrees. But then the overall scene turns rather ugly for us. Much colder air blows in here again on Sunday with highs only in the upper 30s. The moisture begins to arrive very early Monday morning so precipitation is likely to begin as a wintry mix of sleet, freezing rain, and snow. With precipitation beginning in the early morning hours, I expect to see it severely impact travel Monday morning. The wintry mix of precipitation is likely to continue off and one for much of the day Monday as the surface low develops on the Central Gulf Coast. This should bring a change over in the precipitation to a cold rain by Monday evening and into the early morning of Tuesday.
Because of this expected timing of the winter weather, the National Weather Service has issued a winter weather watch for the northern half of Alabama. Please keep in mind that there is still a good deal of uncertainty in this developing situation. We’re dealing with a surface low that has yet to form, and as always, the track of that low will be a determining factor in who gets what and how much of any winter precipitation. But the potential is there for a high impact winter weather event.
The surface low will move to the South Carolina coast by midday Tuesday which will usher in cold air on the backside of the low and this will bring a changeover in the precipitation from rain to snow during the day, probably late morning and afternoon, for Central Alabama. Typically these kinds of changeover events do not result in heavy snow amounts, but there is a good deal of moisture with this system, so more than a dusting is possible.
The surface low bombs out over the Atlantic as it moves northeast by New England producing yet another major winter weather event for that area. For us, we stay in the cold as the upper air pattern remains fixed with a deep trough over the eastern half of the country.
And as if that is not enough, the GFS is suggesting another round of winter weather for us next Friday into Saturday. But this is verging on voodoo country, so we’ll spend our energy trying to figure out what will be happening with the first two winter weather events from Monday into Wednesday.
The longer range GFS suggest the pattern remains pretty cold out to the first of March when it is suggesting a strong closed low coming out of the southern Rockies, a pattern which if it verifies would produce a healthy round of severe weather for the Southeast US. So stay tuned!!
I don’t think the weather situation can get any tougher than the one we’re facing. I strongly urge everyone to prepare today while we have time. If the icing develops as it looks like it will, travel will be severely impacted and power outages in the middle of cold weather could occur. Be sure to have an alternative heat source if possible, but be especially careful with any open flames or the use of generators which can create dangerous carbon monoxide events. Stay tuned to the blog for additional updates as we work diligently to bring you the best possible weather information. Enjoy the day and Godspeed.
-Brian P.
Spiffy’s Car Care Tips: Cold Weather Checklist
With serious winter weather suddenly imminent, it is important that you be prepared. And, that includes ensuring that your car is ready just in case you find yourself driving in inclement conditions. So, let’s go over a few quick things to help you prepare.
Dirty oil can be trouble in cold weather. Make sure that you stick close to what your vehicle’s manufacturer suggests. Also, the exterior of your car needs to be “winterized,” as well. Spifify’s Car Wash does oil changes, too! So, we can help you “kill two birds” with one car care center!
Here’s a cold weather care care check list to make sure that you are prepared for the next couple of months when Alabama weather can get very, very cold and even dangerous.
Heating, Wipers & Lights
- Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly.
- Consider winter wiper blades and use cold-weather washer fluid. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.
- Check to see that all exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed.
Tires & Brakes
- Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure of all tires, including the spare. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads.
- During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.
- Have the brakes checked. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item.
Gas, Oil & Filters
- Keep your gas tank at least half full throughout the cold weather to prevent moisture from forming in gas lines and possibly freezing.
- Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate.
- Check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.
System Checks – Charging, Cooling & Exhaust
- Have the battery and charging system checked, as cold weather is hard on batteries.
- Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a rule of thumb, this should be done every two years.
- Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.
Pack the Essentials
- Make sure that your ice scraper and snow brush are accessible and ready to use.
- Stock an emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, extra clothes, bottled water, nonperishable food and a first aid kit with any needed medication.
So, stop by Spiffy’s today for an oil change and let us help you ensure that your car is ready for what weather may come. For more information about Winter Car Care contact Spiffy’s. Or, even better…just come on by to see us! And, to see more about the Car Wash, Detail or Maintenance services provided by Spiffy’s please browse the rest of our website.
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