James Spann: “The Coldest Air in Alabama Since January 2, 2018”

Over the next few days, extremely cold temperatures will invade the Plains, and areas in the Midwest. Also, this arctic blast will reach the Deep South including Florida by Thursday. This means brutal temperatures for Alabama.

According to The Weather Channel, “for now, it looks like this cold outbreak will last through Christmas weekend, and only gradually ease off in the Southeast early in the final week of 2022.”

James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist said that “this will be the coldest air in Alabama since January 2, 2018; Birmingham dropped to 11 degrees during that cold wave.”

Some Alabamians are wishing for a White Christmas. However, I want you to be aware of the temperature drop that is coming to your neighborhood. You have the temperature but you also have the wind chill factor. This is what it will “feel like.”

Forecast Minimum Wind Chill for Friday from the National Weather Service

Forecast Minimum Temperature for Friday from the National Weather Service

As we await these bitterly cold conditions, clouds will increase as well as rain this afternoon into the evening and for Tuesday. Spann mentioned that “it is possible a few ice pellets could be mixed in with the rain as it initially falls, but if that happens there will be no impact. The most widespread rain will be over the southern half of the state... the high today will be in the upper 40s, followed by mid-40s tomorrow.”

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Christmas Cold Wave Highlights from James Spann

There is a chance rain could briefly change to sleet or snow before ending late Thursday night and early Friday morning.

This is a “cold air chasing the moisture” setup, which rarely produces meaningful snow accumulation here. So, yes, we might see a few snowflakes over North Alabama, but with no accumulation.

Major travel impact is not expected, but if there is any standing water left from the rain Friday morning there could be a few icy spots.

Strong north winds will help dry the roads very quickly, however.

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