Alabama Braces for a Deep Freeze and Potential Snow
A significant cold snap is expected to grip Alabama this week, bringing with it the possibility – though still uncertain – of two separate snow events. The first chance arrives as early as Monday, primarily affecting northern parts of the state. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts a slight chance of light snow or flurries in northern Alabama, with the best chances in northeastern areas and at higher elevations. While some areas downwind of Lake Wheeler might experience lake-effect snow showers, significant accumulation is not anticipated, and central and southern Alabama are expected to remain snow-free. Early morning drivers in northern Alabama should exercise caution due to potential icy road conditions from lingering rain.
Monday’s forecast also includes the possibility of light snow or flurries continuing into Monday night and into Tuesday morning. Overnight temperatures in northern Alabama will dip into the upper 20s and low 30s, while the rest of the state remains above freezing.
A Second Snow Chance: Thursday-Saturday
The more significant weather event is anticipated between Thursday and Saturday, with a wider area of the state potentially experiencing some winter precipitation. However, considerable uncertainty remains. The NWS in Birmingham notes that while weather models show a consistent overall pattern, finer details are still evolving. The forecast hinges on the track of a low-pressure system developing near or over the Gulf of Mexico and its interaction with a cold air mass already in place. This setup typically favors winter precipitation in Alabama, but the type and amount remain unclear.
The low-pressure system’s projected path, and the timing of warmer air advection relative to the incoming precipitation, are the key uncertainties. A temperature difference of just 2-4 degrees could determine whether precipitation falls as snow, a wintry mix, or simply cold rain. The precipitation could begin as a wintry mix or even snow, transitioning to rain on Friday, and potentially reverting to a wintry mix Friday night into Saturday morning.
Preparing for the Cold
Regardless of snow, Alabamians should prepare for several days of extremely cold temperatures, particularly Tuesday through Thursday. Highs will struggle to reach the 30s in northern and much of central Alabama, with southern areas only seeing highs in the 40s. Overnight lows will plummet into the teens and 20s in northern and north-central Alabama, and the 20s across much of the south. Wind chills will make it feel even colder, with Thursday morning potentially being the coldest point of the week. The NWS urges residents to take precautions to protect people, pets, pipes, and plants during this extended cold spell.