By Jim Stefkovich, Meteorologist, Alabama Emergency Management Agency
CLANTON – An active weather pattern will bring cold temperatures to the entire state Wednesday through Sunday, as several systems will provide both reinforcing shots of cold air and some precipitation across the southeast US. One system may even provide a small chance of snow flurries or snow showers Thursday night as far south at Montgomery, and again Friday night into Saturday over the northern half of Alabama. However, as of right now, no accumulations are expected…so don’t panic!
The first system will provide much needed rain across the state today into Wednesday. A number of locations across the northern half of Alabama will receive over one inch of total rainfall. Then, a dramatic cool down will occur with high temperatures in the 40s statewide Wednesday and Thursday, and from the 40s in the extreme north to mid 50s along the coast Friday through Sunday.
Low temperatures will be very cold by this weekend. Readings will be mostly in the 30s statewide Wednesday night, and from the mid 20s in the extreme north to mid 30s along the coast Thursday night. By Friday night/Saturday morning, temperatures will drop to near or below freezing across all of Alabama.
Look at the forecast low temperatures in the map below for Saturday night/Sunday morning! Temperatures in the 20s will occur not only across all of our state, but across much of the southeast US as well. By Monday, a shift in the upper level weather pattern will occur, with temperatures on the rise through the middle of next week.
With the cold temperatures, make sure you are protecting your pets by giving them a warm place to sleep and food to eat. Layering clothes is the best method to keep warm or cool. Have extra layers to add when it gets cold, and then remove them once it starts warming during the day. For those with pipes susceptible to freezing, open cabinets under the faucet and let the water slowly trickle until temperatures rise above freezing.
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