Forecast: Milder Days Ahead for Alabama, But Strong Thursday Storms Loom After Cloudy, Breezy Wednesday
Today's forecast brings a milder trend for Alabama but sets the stage for a more impactful system on Thursday. Clouds return with a breezy southwest wind, a chilly night into the lower 40s and upper 30s, and mainly dry conditions Wednesday before scattered showers and a notably stronger storm system arrive Thursday.
Forecast: Cloudy, Breezy Wednesday Ahead
Cloud cover increases with the wind shifting out of the southwest at 10 to 15 mph and gusts up to 20 mph. That breeze will add a noticeable chill overnight, pushing low temperatures into the lower 40s and upper 30s. No freeze is expected Wednesday morning, and the sky should remain mostly cloudy while daytime highs warm into the 60s. Most of Wednesday will be dry, though a few scattered showers are possible by late afternoon and evening.
Thursday First Alert Weather Day — Heavier Rain, Wind, and Stronger Storms
A First Alert Weather Day has been declared for Thursday because heavier rain and gusty winds are expected, along with the possibility of a strong to severe storm. While the severe risk is characterized as low, this system is likely the most impactful of the week. Scattered showers should begin the day on Thursday and then transition into heavier pockets of rain and gusty winds, with a chance for a few stronger storms around midday. Rain is expected to move out to the south by early Friday morning.
What This Means for Plans and Travel
- Daytime planning Wednesday: Mostly dry with gusty southwest winds; dress for a chill in the morning and milder afternoon temperatures in the 60s.
- Thursday preparedness: Expect periods of heavy rain and gusty winds; keep plans flexible for midday when stronger storms are more likely.
- Timing nuance: Precipitation should taper and head south by early Friday morning, returning drier conditions for the weekend.
This forecast emphasizes a brief window of heightened impacts on Thursday, followed by a return to calmer conditions.
Weekend and Beyond: Warmer Air Returns
Dry weather is expected to return in time for the weekend, with sunshine coming back Friday and highs climbing into the middle to upper 60s. The weekend should be largely pleasant, with lows in the upper 40s and afternoon highs reaching into the 70s. The warm-up is projected to continue into next week, with afternoon highs reaching the middle 70s by midweek.
Forecast confidence is strongest for the general pattern outlined here: a cloudy, breezy Wednesday with limited precipitation, a more impactful Thursday system with heavier rain and gusty winds, and a sunnier, warmer weekend. Details on timing and localized impacts may change as the system approaches; monitor local updates for any adjustments to timing or intensity.
