James Spann: Just like spring in Alabama this afternoon By James Spann WARM WINTER DAY: One week ago, snow was on the ground across much of north and west Alabama, but today temperatures have exceeded 70 degrees with sunshine in full supply. About the only thing we see on satellite images this afternoon is a large smoke plume south-southeast of Tuscaloosa, most likely a prescribed burn in the Talladega National Forest. We expect little change Wednesday — lots of sun with a mild afternoon. Highs will be mostly in the low 70s. THURSDAY/FRIDAY: While most of the day Thursday will be dry with only isolated showers, a surface front will drift down into far north Alabama, and periods of rain are likely Thursday night into Friday morning. There could be a rumble of thunder in a few spots, but severe storms are not expected. The high will be in the mid to upper 60s Thursday, followed by mid to upper 50s Friday as the front sags southward.