An Extreme Cold Watch has been issued for all of Central Alabama, as a renewed surge of Arctic air is expected to bring dangerously cold wind chills late Saturday into Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Birmingham, the watch is in effect from 12 a.m. Saturday through 12 p.m. Sunday, with wind chill values potentially dropping as low as -3 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions pose a serious risk for frostbite and hypothermia with prolonged exposure.
Daytime temperatures on Friday will remain relatively mild for late January standards, with highs in the mid-40s to low-50s, including near I-20, I-65, and I-59 corridors. However, temperatures will fall rapidly Saturday night as strong high pressure settles over the region, allowing Arctic air to dominate.
Overnight lows are expected to drop into the upper 20s to low 30s, but gusty winds will drive apparent temperatures far lower, especially during the pre-dawn hours Sunday. Cities including Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Jasper, Gadsden, Anniston, Montgomery, and Selma are all included in the watch area.
The National Weather Service warns that unprotected skin can develop frostbite in as little as 30 minutes under these conditions. The cold may also lead to burst pipes, damaged plumbing, and agricultural impacts, particularly where temperatures remain below freezing for extended periods.
Residents are urged to protect the four Ps: people, pets, plants, and pipes. Outdoor exposure should be limited, pets brought indoors, and plumbing insulated where possible. Those without reliable heat are encouraged to seek warming shelters.
Travel impacts are expected to be indirect, but early-morning commuters along major roadways such as I-65, I-20, and US-231 may face extreme cold conditions at bus stops, job sites, and schools.
The Extreme Cold Watch may be upgraded to a warning as confidence increases. Residents should continue to monitor updates at weather.gov/bmx.
