Alabama — A brief round of showers clears out, but a sharper change follows as colder air spreads across central Alabama and settles in through the first part of next week. In Birmingham, temperatures trend decisively downward, marking a noticeable shift toward mid-January chill.
After today’s rain exits, highs struggle to recover. Daytime temperatures hold mostly in the 40s, while nighttime lows dip into the teens and 20s, according to the National Weather Service in Birmingham. The cold pattern locks in, bringing several consecutive mornings of brisk air and frosty conditions.
A few lingering showers may pass through Friday afternoon into Friday night, but rainfall remains light. Clouds may hang on into Saturday morning, keeping early temperatures from dropping as quickly. Even so, Saturday stands out as the warmest morning of the upcoming stretch, before colder nights resume.
As skies gradually clear, radiational cooling becomes more efficient. Overnight lows fall sharply, especially in outlying areas, increasing the risk of frost on exposed surfaces. While no wintry precipitation is expected, the cold may catch some residents off guard after recent milder weather.
Drivers heading out early should watch for damp spots that could feel slick during the coldest hours, especially on bridges and shaded roadways. Pets, plants, and outdoor pipes may need protection as temperatures dip near freezing or below.
The cold air mass remains entrenched into early next week, keeping conditions well below seasonal averages. Afternoon sunshine offers limited warmth, and jackets will be needed even during daytime errands.
This pattern reflects a broader January cold snap gripping much of the Southeast. How low did temperatures drop in your neighborhood this morning? Share what you’re seeing as Birmingham settles into a colder-than-normal stretch heading deeper into winter.
