Birmingham, AL – A surge of Arctic air will sweep across Alabama late Sunday into Monday morning, delivering the coldest temperatures of the season and potentially hazardous wind chills. The National Weather Service in Birmingham is cautioning residents to prepare now as overnight lows plunge into the teens and lower 20s, with wind chills dropping even further.
Coldest Air of the Season Arrives Overnight
Forecasters explain that a powerful cold front pushing through the state Sunday evening will open the door to a deep northern air mass. Behind the boundary, skies will clear and brisk northwest winds will lock in bitterly cold conditions across much of Alabama.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will range from 17–22°F across northern and central counties by early Monday. Wind chill values could fall sharply.
“Wind chills may dip as low as 9–12°F in northern Alabama, with readings around 15–20°F farther south,” meteorologists noted in their latest bulletin.
Areas including Gadsden, Jasper, and Anniston are likely to feel the most severe chill, while locations closer to Montgomery and Tuscaloosa will still experience a dangerous cold spell.
Why This Cold Blast Matters
This outbreak is significant because it arrives early in the winter season and follows a period of relatively mild temperatures. A rapid shift to subfreezing conditions increases the risk of damage to exposed pipes, stress on livestock and pets, and potential medical emergencies for those outdoors without proper protection.
Residents are urged to take precautions ahead of the late-night temperature drop. Officials recommend wrapping vulnerable pipes, bringing pets indoors, and checking heating systems before the front arrives.
Safety Guidance From Local Officials
Emergency management agencies and weather officials stress that even brief exposure to frigid air can be harmful.
“Just a few minutes without proper insulation can lead to frostbite or hypothermia, especially overnight when winds increase,” officials warned.
Communities are also encouraged to check on elderly neighbors and individuals who may not have reliable heat sources.
Areas Expected to See the Worst Conditions
Northern Alabama will bear the brunt of the Arctic intrusion, with the coldest wind chills predicted across higher elevations and open rural areas. Central counties will also experience a sharp drop, though not as extreme as communities along the Tennessee state line.
Southern Alabama will avoid the harshest temperatures but will still see a significant chill, making early-morning travel cold and uncomfortable.
What Residents Should Do Before Sunday Night
To stay safe and prevent property damage, officials urge residents to:
- Protect people by limiting outdoor exposure and wearing insulated layers
- Bring pets indoors or provide heated shelter
- Cover or insulate pipes and outdoor faucets
- Move or cover sensitive plants
- Prepare vehicles and ensure adequate antifreeze levels
- Keep space heaters on level surfaces and away from flammable materials
These steps can help prevent common cold-weather emergencies, especially in areas that do not often experience prolonged freezing temperatures.
Looking Ahead
After Monday morning, temperatures will slowly rebound, but overnight lows are expected to remain below freezing for at least another night across northern and central Alabama. Daytime highs will stay cool, with the cold air mass lingering into early next week.
Conclusion
With temperatures tumbling into the teens and low 20s and wind chills dipping into the single digits in some areas, Alabama residents are facing a dangerous early-season cold blast. Preparation over the next 24 hours is essential to ensure safety and prevent damage.
What steps are you taking to prepare for the cold? Share your experiences in the comments below.
