Alabama Temperatures to Drop This Week With Weekend Freeze Threat

Alabama’s stretch of mild November weather is about to end abruptly, with the National Weather Service in Birmingham forecasting a sharp temperature drop that will bring widespread frost and freeze conditions to communities across the state by this weekend.

As noted by the Montgomery Advertiser, Wednesday will see afternoon highs in the 70s before a front delivering colder air moves across the state on Thursday and Friday. Overnight temperatures are expected to tumble into the 20s in parts of the state, accompanied by breezy winds.

The weather change is expected to begin Wednesday night, with isolated showers possible near and north of Interstate 20. Most other areas should remain dry throughout the week before colder conditions become much more noticeable on Thursday and Friday.

Anticipated temperatures indicate a significant drop throughout Alabama, with multiple towns expected to record lows in the 20s and 30s. Fayette is projected to experience some of the most frigid conditions with a low of 27 degrees, whereas Jasper and Hamilton could both fall to 28 degrees.

City	Forecast Low
Auburn	34° (Saturday night)
Birmingham	32° (Friday night)
Gadsden	30° (Saturday night)
Montgomery	34° (Saturday night)
Tuscaloosa	32° (Friday and Saturday night)

The National Weather Service defines a freeze as temperatures at or below 32 degrees, while a hard freeze occurs when temperatures fall to 28 degrees or lower. Both can damage sensitive plants, while prolonged cold can threaten outdoor plumbing and pets.

Northern communities such as Huntsville and Muscle Shoals typically see their first freeze around Nov. 2, but their first hard freeze arrives in early to mid-November, the Montgomery Advertiser reported. Birmingham averages its first freeze on Nov. 9, Tuscaloosa on Nov. 8, and Montgomery on Nov. 28.

Along the Gulf Coast, the first freeze typically arrives in late November or early December.

With the weekend freeze approaching, residents are urged to take precautions now. Steps include bringing potted plants inside, covering sensitive vegetation, keeping pets out of prolonged freezing conditions with a warm shelter and unfrozen water, and checking exposed pipes.