A blast of cold air will bring below-freezing temperatures to much of central Alabama tonight, with the coldest readings arriving by daybreak Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Birmingham.
Overnight lows are forecast to drop into the low to mid-20s across most of the area, marking the coldest morning of the week. Even locations farther south, including Montgomery and Troy, will likely fall near or below freezing.
Any lingering light rain from earlier in the day will come to an end by mid-morning, leaving behind clearing skies and a cold, dry air mass. The combination of clear skies and calm winds overnight will allow temperatures to plummet quickly after sunset.
While daytime highs will rebound slightly into the 40s and low 50s on Wednesday afternoon, nighttime temperatures will remain on the chilly side through the rest of the week. Lows are expected to range from the mid-30s to lower 40s into the weekend, with gradual warming by Sunday.
Residents are urged to take freeze precautions, including protecting plants, pets, and exposed pipes. Areas of frost are also likely, especially in sheltered valleys and low-lying locations.
After a brief lull in the weather Wednesday, another chance of rain returns on Thursday, but temperatures will stay well below seasonal averages for early December.
Overall, central Alabama faces a stretch of cold mornings and cool afternoons, signaling the return of winter-like conditions for much of the state.
