Birmingham, Alabama – A mild and relatively quiet weather pattern is expected to dominate Alabama as the New Year approaches, with warmer-than-normal temperatures and below-average precipitation favored from Dec 27 through Jan 9.
Large-scale atmospheric signals indicate persistent ridging across the Southeast, limiting the frequency and intensity of storm systems moving through the region. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures across much of Alabama are expected to run above seasonal averages during this period, particularly during the afternoon hours. Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville, and Mobile are likely to experience extended stretches of mild days, with overnight lows remaining comfortably above freezing for late December and early January.
Precipitation chances appear limited overall, with long dry intervals expected between weak frontal passages. Any rain that does occur is forecast to be light and brief, with no widespread flooding or severe weather concerns currently indicated. Even northern Alabama, which can occasionally see winter cold snaps, is expected to remain milder than normal, reducing the risk of frost or freezing conditions.
The warm and dry setup should support favorable travel conditions along major corridors such as I-65, I-20, I-59, and I-85 during the busy New Year holiday period. Outdoor activities, New Year’s Eve events, and post-holiday travel are less likely to be impacted by weather compared to colder regions farther north.
While brief temperature fluctuations remain possible, no sustained cold outbreaks are currently signaled. Residents are encouraged to remain weather-aware, but no significant hazards are anticipated. Overall, the outlook supports a calm, mild, and dry start to 2026 across Birmingham and much of Alabama.
