Birmingham, AL – The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a Frost Advisory for much of central Alabama, warning residents of temperatures dropping to near 35°F overnight. The advisory is in effect from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday, as the region braces for an early taste of winter.
The Weather Alert: Frost Advisory in Effect
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the advisory covers several central Alabama counties, including Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, Fayette, Jefferson, Lamar, Marion, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Walker, and Winston.
Meteorologists warn that frost formation is likely, especially in rural valleys and low-lying areas where temperatures tend to drop more rapidly before sunrise.
“Sensitive outdoor vegetation may be damaged or killed if left uncovered,” forecasters said Friday evening.
The advisory encourages residents to take precautionary measures to protect plants, pets, and outdoor plumbing as temperatures continue to fall across the region.
Impact and Safety Recommendations
Residents across central Alabama are being advised to cover tender plants, bring potted vegetation indoors, and drain or insulate exposed pipes to prevent damage.
The NWS emphasized that while this event will not bring a hard freeze, it could still pose a threat to gardens and outdoor systems.
“Even a light frost can harm sensitive vegetation and reduce crop yield,” forecasters noted.
Drivers are also urged to use caution during early morning commutes, as patchy frost may form on bridges and overpasses, potentially creating slick spots in colder rural locations.
Forecast and Weather Outlook
Temperatures are expected to bottom out between 33°F and 36°F overnight, with the coldest readings in northern and central counties. Frost should begin to dissipate by mid-morning Saturday as sunshine returns and temperatures rebound into the upper 50s and low 60s.
The weekend forecast looks mostly dry, but meteorologists say another cold front early next week could bring a second round of frost or subfreezing temperatures to parts of Alabama.
“This is a reminder that the growing season is ending across much of the state,” the NWS said.
Background: Early-Season Chill Across the South
This frost advisory comes as much of the Southeast experiences below-normal temperatures for early November. Similar advisories have been issued in Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee, signaling the start of colder, drier air patterns settling into the region.
Experts say these early frosts are common when clear skies and calm winds follow autumn cold fronts, allowing surface heat to escape rapidly overnight.
Ongoing Updates and Precautions
The Frost Advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. Saturday, at which point temperatures are expected to rise above freezing. Local meteorologists recommend keeping an eye on updated forecasts in case additional advisories or warnings are issued for Sunday or Monday mornings.
For more localized information, residents can visit weather.gov/bmx or follow the National Weather Service Birmingham on social media for real-time alerts.
Conclusion
With temperatures expected to dip to the mid-30s, central Alabama residents are urged to prepare for the chill by protecting plants, pets, and pipes. Although frost conditions should lift by mid-morning Saturday, forecasters caution that another cold spell may arrive early next week.
How are you preparing for the cold start to November? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below.
