Birmingham, Alabama – Central Alabama is heading into a noticeable temperature shift this week as seasonable conditions give way to colder air by late week, bringing cooler days, chilly nights, and a brief chance for midweek showers.
Tuesday night remains quiet across the Birmingham metro, though clouds will gradually increase overnight. According to the National Weather Service in Birmingham, most locations will stay dry through sunrise, though a stray shower cannot be ruled out across southern portions of central Alabama early Wednesday morning.
Wednesday will feel more like a typical January day, with highs climbing into the upper 40s and lower 50s across Birmingham, Hoover, Trussville, and surrounding communities. A few light showers may move through during the afternoon into Wednesday night, but rainfall coverage is expected to be limited and short-lived. Most areas will remain dry for much of the day.
Temperatures will begin falling Wednesday night as cooler air filters in behind the system. Overnight lows are expected to drop into the upper 20s and lower 30s, setting the stage for a colder stretch heading into Thursday and the weekend.
By Thursday, highs across central Alabama are forecast to remain in the 40s, with colder air continuing to settle in. Nighttime lows will trend even colder, especially in rural areas, increasing the potential for frost during the late night and early morning hours. While no widespread freezing precipitation is expected, the colder air will be noticeable compared to early-week conditions.
The National Weather Service notes that fair weather should dominate most of the period outside of Wednesday’s brief shower chances. However, temperatures will continue to trend below earlier-week levels into the weekend, with cooler mornings and brisk afternoons becoming more common.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for the colder nights by protecting sensitive plants and checking heating systems. While travel impacts appear minimal, the sharp temperature drop may catch some off guard after recent mild conditions.
Forecast confidence remains high, though additional updates are possible if shower coverage or temperature trends change as colder air deepens later this week.
