The cold weather brought two very welcome things to Alabama: much-needed rain and the return of fall-like temperatures.

Temperatures across the state have been well above average for some time, according to National Weather Service data.

Cooler weather with sunny skies may come to the state on Friday.

Temperatures today will be cooler in the north and warmer in the south as the front moves across the state.

High temperatures today will range from 60 degrees in northern Alabama to 70 degrees in southern Alabama:

Low temperatures tonight will feel cooler across the state. Tonight through Friday morning, temperatures will drop into the mid-40s in north Alabama, mid-40s in central Alabama, and upper 40s in south Alabama:

Friday’s highs will continue to drive declines statewide. Temperatures will range from the low to mid-60s in northern Alabama, the mid-to-upper 60s in central Alabama, and the low 70s in southern Alabama (Friday’s forecast is at the top of this post).

High temperatures are expected to remain in the 60s and 70s across the state through the weekend, according to weather forecasts.

What do long-term trends show?

The six- to 10-day temperature outlook shows a slightly increased chance of above-average temperatures (33-40 percent) for most of Alabama from November 19-23:

The eight- to 14-day outlook then shows a shift toward cooler than average weather:

The latest outlook, covering weeks 3 and 4, shows an equal chance of above-average or below-average temperatures in the first week of December: