FXUS64 KHUN 190221 AFDHUN Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Huntsville AL 921 PM CDT Wed Mar 18 2026 ...New NEAR TERM, SHORT TERM, LONG TERM... .KEY MESSAGES... Updated at 921 PM CDT Wed Mar 18 2026 - Dry weather and a warming trend will begin today and continue through this weekend, with highs reaching near record values on Sunday. && .NEAR TERM... (Rest of tonight and Thursday) Issued at 921 PM CDT Wed Mar 18 2026 A shortwave, that produced some light showers and virga across TN this afternoon, continues to drop southeast across GA this evening. The Southeast remains under a deep upper level trough with northerly flow keeping in a cool and dry airmass. Tonight, clear skies and light winds allow for ideal radiational cooling conditions. Expect temperatures to drop down into the mid 30s across NE AL and upper 30s to lower 40s elsewhere. There is a low chance of frost across portions of Dekalb and Jackson counties tonight, but the dry airmass may limit how widespread it will be. Plus, blended models continue to show a slight warming trend from run to run, making for not nearly as cold of a night. Temperature trends will be watched tonight in case a short fused Frost Advisory is needed. By tomorrow, the upper level trough axis begins to shift eastward. Northwesterly flow aloft will keep the dry conditions in place, but sfc flow shifts to more westerly allowing for a warmer day compared to the chilly conditions we have felt all week. Forecast highs should return to the upper 60s to lower 70s by the afternoon. && .SHORT TERM... (Thursday night through Saturday) Issued at 921 PM CDT Wed Mar 18 2026 A gradual warming trend is forecast through the end of the work week and into the start of the weekend. The large amplitude upper level ridge across the western CONUS shifts eastward bringing back southerly sfc flow. Dry conditions will persist through the short term period with temperatures warming into the mid 70s on Friday and lower 80s by Saturday. Overnight lows remain mild as well in the mid 50s. && .LONG TERM... (Saturday night through Wednesday) Issued at 921 PM CDT Wed Mar 18 2026 Warm conditions continue on Sunday as the influence of high pressure to our west remains strong. Expect highs to once again return to the low to mid 80s. A cold front attempts to push through Sunday night into Monday, but ensemble guidance keeps the area dry. This will be a feature to watch, as latest model guidance does show precip across KY/N TN. However, it will be a bit cooler to start the work week with temperatures on Monday through Wednesday in the upper 60s to lower 70s. Behind the cold front, northwest flow takes shape bringing a series of shortwave through the area. Lots of uncertainty in timing of these features, but at least a low chance of showers is expected Tuesday into Wednesday. && .AVIATION... (00Z TAFS) Issued at 600 PM CDT Wed Mar 18 2026 VFR conditions are forecast to continue through the TAF period. && .HUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... AL...None. TN...None. && $$ NEAR TERM...GH SHORT TERM....GH LONG TERM....GH AVIATION...GH