A cold front brought two very welcome things to Alabama: much-needed rain and a return to fall temperatures.

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

Friday could bring cooler weather to the state as well as sunny skies.

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

High temperatures today will range from the 60s in northern Alabama to the upper 70s in southern Alabama:

Low temperatures tonight will be cooler across the state. Temperatures tonight through Friday morning will fall into the mid 40s in northern Alabama, the mid 40s in central Alabama, and the upper 40s to southern Alabama. Alabama:

Friday’s highs will continue to bring the decline statewide. Temperatures will range from the low to mid 60s in north Alabama, the mid to upper 60s in central Alabama, and the low 70s in south Alabama (Friday’s forecast is at the top of this article).

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

What are the long-term trends?

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

Then the eight- to 14-day outlook shows a reversal – a trend toward cooler-than-average weather:

The latest forecast, which covers weeks 3 and 4, shows equal chances of above or below average temperatures during the first week of December: