Breezy. Not as cool. Showers and slight chance of thunderstorms. Some thunderstorms may be severe. Locally heavy rainfall possible. Lows in the mid 50s. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of rain near 100 percent.
Christmas Day
Mostly cloudy with showers likely and slight chance of thunderstorms in the morning...then partly cloudy with chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 60s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy. Colder. Lows in the upper 30s. Northwest winds around 5 mph.
Saturday
Partly cloudy. Cooler. Highs in the mid 50s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
... Potential for severe weather tonight into Christmas morning...
A developing low pressure system will continue to impact the central United States today then is forecast to lift north-northeast on Christmas day and into the weekend.
A trailing cold front from the low pressure system will push toward the area tonight and will be preceded by a line of showers and thunderstorms. Although atmospheric instability is not particularly high... strong winds aloft and increasing lift will likely support strong to severe thunderstorms. The primary threat from these storms will be damaging winds but there is a risk of an isolated tornado mainly within the squall line. Cloud to ground lightning and very heavy rainfall will also accompany the squall line. Although there is some uncertainty on the timing of the squall line... the best estimate at this time is it moving to an Alma Georgia to Live Oak Florida line by midnight tonight... reaching the coastal sections during the early morning hours on Christmas day. The severe weather threat should be ending by late Christmas morning as the cold front advances across the area and into the Atlantic coastal waters.
Outside of the main line of showers and storms... individual showers and thunderstorms may even produce wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph beginning this evening along the I-75 and U.S. Highway 441 corridors. Winds of this intensity are capable of uprooting small trees and overturning sheds and small structures.
Law enforcement agencies... emergency management officials... storm spotter groups... and other interested concerns should monitor this situation and take appropriate action should severe weather approach your area.
Marine interests operating in the coastal and inland waters... be aware of the risk of high winds and rough seas with approaching storms and be prepared to seek safe Harbor.
Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio... commercial television or radio stations... or your cable television provider for later statements concerning this severe weather event.