Birmingham, Alabama – Rain chances return across Central Alabama beginning this afternoon and are expected to continue through Wednesday morning, bringing periods of wet travel conditions to major highways and city roads.
According to the National Weather Service office in Birmingham, increasing cloud cover will give way to mainly afternoon rain showers moving in from the northwest. Rain becomes more widespread tonight and persists into early Wednesday, particularly during the overnight and morning commute hours.
High temperatures today are expected to range from the lower 50s across northwestern areas to the middle 60s farther south, including locations near Montgomery and Troy. Winds will be from the southwest to south at 5 to 10 mph, with occasional gusts up to 20 mph.
Roadways including Interstate 65, Interstate 20, Interstate 59, and Interstate 85 are expected to see wet pavement conditions at times. While no flooding concerns have been highlighted, reduced traction and ponding in low-lying areas may impact travel, especially during heavier showers.
Tonight, widespread rain is forecast with overnight lows ranging from the lower 30s in the far northwest to the upper 40s across southeastern sections of the state. On Wednesday, rain is expected to taper from northwest to southeast through the morning hours, with lingering showers mainly across the southern half of the area.
Wednesday afternoon temperatures will range from the lower 40s northwest to the upper 50s southeast, with breezy conditions possible at times. The National Weather Service notes that this system is not expected to bring severe weather, but steady rainfall could slow travel during peak commute periods.
This weather pattern may be most noticeable for commuters, school transportation, and freight traffic traveling along the I-20 and I-65 corridors. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time and remain alert for changing road conditions through Wednesday morning.
