WSFA Weather: Severe Storms and Freeze Threat for Alabama

WSFA Weather Update: Alabama Braces for Severe Storms and a Potential Freeze

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A First Alert Weather Day remains in effect as storms sweep across the state. The focus tonight is on monitoring conditions in our far southern counties, where a strong to severe storm threat is developing. This area faces a heightened risk of tornadoes.

Current Alerts & Overnight Forecast

A Tornado Watch is currently in place until 2 a.m. for Sumter, Greene, Hale, and Perry counties. Residents in these areas should take immediate precautions and stay informed. Even outside the watch area, most of Alabama, particularly north of I-20, can expect heavy rainfall and wind gusts exceeding 30 mph as these storms move eastward overnight.

Thursday’s Outlook

The stormy weather is expected to clear out early Thursday morning, with rain exiting our far eastern counties before noon. As clouds dissipate, sunshine will return during the afternoon. However, a significant temperature drop is on the way. Expect cooler and windy conditions, with highs reaching only the middle to upper 50s. Thursday night will bring temperatures plummeting into the upper 30s, creating a widespread frost threat by Friday morning.

Weekend & Next Week: A Rollercoaster of Temperatures

The weekend is anticipated to begin dry and pleasant. Conditions should remain favorable for most of the weekend, with cool mornings giving way to warmer afternoons, potentially reaching near 80 degrees by Sunday. However, this warmth will be short-lived.

Another cold front is forecast to arrive Sunday night, bringing with it another chance for heavier rain and isolated storms. Following this system, a surge of colder air will move into the region. This is particularly concerning given the early spring blooms already underway. Temperatures could fall low enough to create a potential freeze threat by St. Patrick’s Day morning.

Freeze Warning for St. Patrick’s Day

We have declared a First Alert Weather Day for a potential morning freeze on St. Patrick’s Day. If temperatures drop into the 20s early Tuesday, it could be detrimental to crops. Now is the time to protect your plants and prepare them for the cold.

Stay Weather Alert with WBRC

Significant weather changes are on the horizon. Stay informed with WBRC! Watch live on the WBRC First Alert Streaming app and download the First Alert Weather app for lightning and precipitation alerts. Search “WBRC” in your app store.

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