Crazy range in temperatures today

Where there were just clouds this Wednesday, it stayed very cool outside.  Where the sunshine broke through, it warmed up very nicely.  As a result we have a big variation in temperatures across central Alabama.  4 pm readings include a 45 at Fort Payne, a 49 at Haleyville, 56 in Anniston and Birmingham, 60 in Calera, and 68 in Tuscaloosa.  Just a few hours of sunshine made a huge difference which is a testament to how strong those late February rays really are.  Sky conditions will vary tonight, and there may be some patchy fog later on.  There will still be some sprinkles across northeast areas this evening.
All of us will see some sunshine Thursday and with that a nice boost in temperatures.  With the possible exception of the northeast quarter of the area, I think everyone will reach at least 70.  I am forecasting 70 in Birmingham, though I could see it a little higher, and Tuscaloosa, Greene and Hale counties could reach the middle 70’s.  It will be a little breezy.
That brings us to Friday.  It will be another warm day, but an approaching cold front will bring showers and thunderstorms, starting in the afternoon, and lasting through the night. This looks like a very wet system, and I think an inch of rain is easily attainable.  In addition, there may be a few severe storms.
The rain will wind down Saturday morning with much colder air arriving Saturday night and Sunday.