Alabama Braces for Two Rounds of Potential Snow This Week
Parts of Alabama are facing the possibility of two separate snowfall events this week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). While neither event is guaranteed, the likelihood of winter precipitation, in various forms, is increasing, particularly for Friday.
The NWS in Huntsville reported Monday morning that the concern for accumulating snowfall is growing in northern Alabama. Meanwhile, the Birmingham office expressed rising confidence in some form of winter precipitation for central Alabama, although the type of precipitation remains uncertain. The Mobile office hasn’t ruled out a few snowflakes in inland areas but anticipates temperatures may be too warm for significant snowfall.
A Brief Cold-Snap and Flurries (Monday):
A very cold air mass settling over the state, following a cold front and overnight storms, presents the first opportunity for snow. Snow flurries or even light showers are possible, primarily north of Interstate 20. However, no accumulation is expected. The NWS is also monitoring north Alabama waterways for potential lake-effect snow due to the cold, windy conditions. Wind advisories are in effect for the northern two-thirds of the state. These flurries are expected to be intermittent throughout the afternoon. Temperatures will remain frigid, with highs in the 30s for north and north-central Alabama. This marks the start of a prolonged cold spell, with below-average temperatures predicted to persist through the week and possibly into the weekend. Highs will remain in the 30s and 40s, and lows will dip into the teens and 20s, with the coldest night likely Wednesday into Thursday.
Friday’s Winter Storm Potential:
The second, and potentially more significant, chance for winter weather arrives Friday. A low-pressure system is expected to develop near the Gulf Coast and move eastward Thursday into Friday. This system will bring precipitation, and with the existing cold air, this could fall as rain, freezing rain, or snow across Alabama. The timeframe to watch is late Thursday night through Friday.
Northern and central Alabama may experience travel disruptions, although this remains uncertain. South Alabama is more likely to see only rain, but a wintry mix isn’t entirely ruled out for inland areas. The crucial factor, as always with Alabama winter weather, is the precipitation type. The NWS predicts that many areas in north and central Alabama might initially see freezing rain or snow, transitioning to rain as temperatures rise during Friday. However, a return to freezing temperatures later in the day is also possible. The NWS emphasizes that this forecast hinges on very small temperature variations: a shift of just a few degrees could significantly alter the precipitation type.
Regional NWS Outlooks:
* North Alabama: The NWS in Huntsville is closely monitoring the potential for snow from Thursday night into Saturday.
* Central Alabama: The NWS in Birmingham highlights extremely cold temperatures this week, with lows in the low 20s and wind chills several degrees colder. The potential for winter weather on Friday is being closely monitored, though accumulation remains uncertain.
* South Alabama: A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect for parts of south-central Alabama, warning of wind chills as low as 16 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and dangerous surf and rip currents.