North Alabama is in for a two-part weather event Tonight and Monday, beginning with a round of severe thunderstorms and ending with a cold snap that could bring snow flurries, sub-freezing temperatures and freeze conditions that forecasters say will last well into the week.
Storms arrive first, then the cold
The National Weather Service’s Huntsville office is tracking severe weather as the primary concern for this evening across Alabama, with storms expected to push into north Alabama between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Once that front clears the region, Arctic air will begin moving in rapidly behind it.
Forecasters are describing a three to five hour window of light precipitation in the wake of the front. That precipitation could transition to snow toward the end of that period, giving some north Alabama residents their first meaningful look at snowflakes this season.
An additional band of light snow could develop and slide into the region late Monday morning. Forecasters noted that those in northeast Alabama, particularly at higher elevations, have the best chance of seeing a few snow showers extend into Monday afternoon. Further south, central Alabama may see some lingering rain mix with or briefly transition to snow during the morning hours Monday, though forecasters in Birmingham do not expect any meaningful impact there given the warm surface temperatures that have been in place across the region in recent weeks.
Snow totals will be light but visible
The Huntsville office is not anticipating major travel disruptions tied to snowfall. Accumulations of up to a tenth of an inch are possible, which amounts to a light coating rather than any real depth. The significance is more symbolic than disruptive, as snowfall of any kind has been rare in Alabama this season.
Snowfall is expected to taper off as the day progresses Monday, though some northeast Alabama locations at elevation could hold onto snow showers into the afternoon.
Freeze watch covers 11 north Alabama counties
The cold behind the storms is the more pressing concern for most residents. The National Weather Service issued a freeze watch covering Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, Marshall, Jackson, DeKalb and Cullman counties. The watch runs from Monday at 8 p.m. through Tuesday at 9 a.m.
Forecasters are calling for overnight lows as cold as 22 degrees in affected areas, accompanied by gusty winds capable of knocking down tree limbs, scattering unsecured outdoor items and causing scattered power outages. High-profile vehicles are especially vulnerable to the wind, and drivers in the watch area are advised to use extra caution during overnight hours.
A freeze warning has already been issued for central Alabama, with the watch and warning areas expected to be expanded in the coming hours to cover more of the state.
Monday temperatures could stay below freezing
Monday daytime highs will feel dramatically different from the mild conditions Alabama has seen in recent weeks. Some north Alabama locations may not climb above 32 degrees during the day. Statewide lows Monday night are expected to fall into the low 20s for north Alabama, with the rest of the state seeing temperatures in the 20s and 30s.
The cold is forecast to continue through Tuesday night before a gradual warmup begins Wednesday. By Thursday, most of Alabama should return to temperatures in the 60s and 70s.
Protecting plants and pipes before Monday night
For residents in the freeze watch and warning areas, the window to prepare is Today. Sensitive outdoor plants that cannot be moved inside are unlikely to survive temperatures in the low 20s, depending on the species and how long the cold lingers. Moving potted plants indoors now is the most effective option available.
Exposed plumbing is another vulnerability. The National Weather Service advises wrapping pipes, draining outdoor lines or allowing faucets to drip slowly overnight to keep water moving through the system. Outdoor furniture, decorations and any items that could become airborne in strong wind should be secured or brought inside before the front arrives Sunday evening.
