Birmingham, Alabama – An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect across central Alabama through noon Sunday as dangerously low wind chills persist across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Birmingham, wind chill values early Sunday morning have dropped to near zero and into the single digits, creating hazardous conditions despite dry weather. The warning includes all of central Alabama, covering both urban and rural areas.
Forecasters report that temperatures today will recover into the upper 30s to lower 40s, with colder readings north and slightly warmer conditions south. However, the morning hours remain the most dangerous, as lingering northwest winds continue to amplify the cold. Wind gusts earlier today reached 20 to 25 mph, contributing to the extreme chill.
The coldest conditions are impacting areas along major transportation corridors including Interstate 65, Interstate 20, Interstate 59, and Interstate 85. While roads are dry and no winter precipitation is expected, exposure risks are elevated for stranded motorists, outdoor workers, and early-morning travelers.
The National Weather Service urges residents to limit time outdoors, wear multiple insulating layers, and ensure that pets are brought indoors. Unprotected pipes should be insulated or allowed to drip to reduce the risk of freezing. Officials also encourage residents to check on elderly neighbors and those without adequate heating.
Winds are expected to gradually decrease this afternoon, allowing wind chill values to improve. Clear skies tonight will allow temperatures to fall back into the upper teens to lower 20s, though conditions will be less severe than Sunday morning.
Monday will bring a noticeable warm-up, with highs climbing into the lower to middle 50s under mostly sunny skies, ending the extreme cold episode.
The warning may particularly impact commuters, students waiting at bus stops, and outdoor workers across the Birmingham metro area and surrounding counties early Sunday.
