Mild temperatures dominated Alabama on Monday, but a return to winter weather is expected later this week. The National Weather Service predicts a cold front moving through on Tuesday. While this front isn’t expected to bring significant rain or severe weather, it will usher in colder air. Temperatures today will range from the 60s to 70s across the state.
By Wednesday, however, highs will only reach the 40s and 50s. Overnight lows will again dip into the 20s and 30s in parts of north and central Alabama later in the week.
Longer-range forecasts for mid-January have generated considerable discussion, with some predicting significant snowstorms and bitterly cold temperatures for the eastern U.S. The National Weather Service cautions, however, that forecasts beyond seven days are speculative regarding specifics. While precise details remain uncertain, overall trends indicate a colder pattern.
The eight- to 14-day temperature outlook from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center shows a high probability of below-average temperatures for Alabama through mid-January. This colder trend continues into the period of January 11-24, with a 60-70 percent probability of below-average temperatures.
Currently, it’s safe to say that below-average temperatures are likely. Be wary of social media forecasts providing exact predictions more than a week out. For the following week, there’s an over 80% chance temperatures will be below normal for early January.