Afternoon Forecast

Big changes to the forecast are needed. Although radar echoes showed what appeared to be snow for much of this morning, very dry air in the lowest 5,000 feet was evaporating the snow before it reached the ground. After enough moistening, we finally saw decent burst of moderate snow mixed with sleet and rain in the Tuscaloosa area around noon. The snow and sleet briefly accumulated on elevated surfaces before melting. It's evident that the wave along the approaching arctic front has pulled slightly warmer temperatures aloft into our area and caused total melting of ice crystals. It's also clear that ground temperatures are too warm to support much in the way of accumulating snow without a sustained heavy burst. There is still another band of mixed precipitation moving into the western part of the county, but it should end by 2 p.m. Additional bands of precipitation are ongoing across Mississippi, and these should provide a few brief periods of light rain or snow through 5 p.m. The vast majority of the county will see little or no accumulations of snow. It would still be a good idea to use caution if you'll be traveling on roadways late this afternoon and evening as there will likely be some slick spots.