Prepare for an Arctic Alabama + Possible Winter Weather Next Week

Alabamians can expect a brief warm-up today, offering West Alabama temperatures between the high 50s and low 60s. Enjoy it before colder conditions set in as an Arctic air mass is forecast to sweep into Central Alabama on Sunday night, bringing a noticeable drop in temperatures next week.

Friday Outlook

It's another nice day, but conditions will shift to rain tomorrow evening for most of Alabama.

Weekend Thoughts

Saturday: The rain will diminish in most areas on Saturday and should be out of the state by Noon.

Sunday: "The coldest air so far this season will blow in here Sunday with an icy north wind. We hold in the 30s all day with some slow clearing possible. Wind chill values will be well below freezing over the northern half of the state," said James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist.

Thoughts on Temperatures for Next Week

All I can say is brace yourself for next week and be prepared. Temperatures and dangerously low wind chill values are concerns.

West Alabama County-by-County Monday 'Feels Like' Temp Guide

To give you perspective, here are the current 'feels like' temperatures for Monday at 6 a.m., Noon, and 6 p.m. according to Time and Date Weather. The forecasted 'feels like' temperatures could be impacted as conditions develop over the next few days.

Bibb:

6 a.m.: 6 °F

Noon: 18 °F

6 p.m.: 18 °F

Fayette

6 a.m.: 6 °F

Noon: 18 °F

6 p.m.: 18 °F

Greene

6 a.m.: 7 °F

Noon: 19 °F

6 p.m.: 18 °F

Hale

6 a.m.: 7 °F

Noon: 19 °F

6 p.m.: 18 °F

Lamar

6 a.m.: 2 °F

Noon: 13 °F

6 p.m.: 15 °F

Perry

6 a.m.: 7 °F

Noon: 19 °F

6 p.m.: 18 °F

Pickens

6 a.m.: 6 °F

Noon: 18 °F

6 p.m.: 18 °F

Sumter

6 a.m.: 7 °F

Noon: 19 °F

6 p.m.: 18 °F

Tuscaloosa

6 a.m.: 6 °F

Noon: 18 °F

6 p.m.: 18 °F

Walker

6 a.m.: 3 °F

Noon: 15 °F

6 p.m.: 14 °F

Possible Winter Storm Update

Spann said, "We continue to see some potential for a winter storm across the southern U.S. during the mid-week period based on consistent signals from global models.

Many variables and specifics regarding the timing, snow, freezing rain, ice, and travel impacts are still unclear. The outcome of the potential winter storm depends on whether an area of low pressure develops in the Gulf.

Spann reports that the "Highest probabilities of wintry precipitation are in the Tuesday/Wednesday time frame, but the American GFS model continues to suggest the event will come later in the week Thursday and Thursday night."

Further details about the potential winter storm are expected to emerge over the weekend, offering information to help you prepare. What is certain is that frigid temperatures will impact the area, so be ready for the bitter 'feels like' conditions.

Mary K. - Weather Forecaster